The Bodyguard (Tour) Limited

Venue Cymru, Llandudno, June 1 – 6, also Millennium Centre, Cardiff, 20 – 25 July 2026

(4 / 5)

Is this a concert or a play?  Of course there is a storyline to the production, but the musical is famous for using some of Whitney Houston’s best power ballads.  When they move the surrounding scenery and actors to make way for the song to become a showstopper, we know that the emphasis is very firmly on the song rather than the action.  

The Bodyguard tells the story of a superstar, Rachel Marron, who is subjected to the attentions of a stalker.  After he leaves death threats in her dressing room, Rachel’s management team employ a bodyguard, Frank, the best in the business to protect her and her 10 year old son, Fletcher.  Rachel resents the bodyguards precautions until he protects her from an over animated crowd.  Their mutual attraction grows and the play becomes a question of whether he is able to protect her and whether they will end up together despite the fact that Rachel’s sister Nicki also really likes Frank.

The play is based on the 1992 film of the same name where Whitney Houston plays Rachel alongside Kevin Costner as Frank.  Therefore playing Rachel is a difficult prospect, but Sidonie Smith does this well.  Several of her renditions will live long in the memory and hearing her sing ‘I will always love you’ was well worth waiting for.  Adam Garcia is suitably authoritative and they are ably supported by Sasha Monique as Nicki especially when she duets with Rachel singing ‘Run to you’.  At times, Phoenix Beharry stole the show as Fletcher. 

Being a vehicle for Houston’s songs, the play needs a bit of pizazz and this is provided with some stunning choreography, slick scene changes, bright lights, loud music and a few special effects making for a hugely entertaining evening.  However, the storyline at times is weak.  Frank is said to be the best in the business, but compromises his integrity by entering into a relationship with Rachel.  Then, so many things happened to the people he was employed to protect, one wondered what he had to do to get the sack.

This however, was a more incidental part of the evening.  We wanted to hear those songs that made Whitney Houston famous.  This is illustrated by the finale, where Rachel starts off in jeans and a jacket and ending in a sparkly dress and lifted several feet above the stage.  A quite spectacular number.  This the audience loved, and rewarded the cast with a standing ovation.