THE BODYGUARD | STAGE REVIEW
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Mon 22 June
For any X Factor enthusiasts out there (and those of you who haven’t been living under a rock for the past decade), you’ll recall Alexandra Burke’s victory in 2008. A great vocalist, we are agreed – but did you know the girl could act? Me neither. If you don’t believe me, go and see The Bodyguard this summer.
Written by one-time-Oscar-winner and play-write Alexander Dinelaris, the well-loved movie classic is brought to the stage in the form of an expertly put together musical. With a strong cast, superb scenography, and brilliant writing, this show had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
As someone who had never actually seen the film, I found the plot easy and captivating enough to follow – and for the dozens in the audience who were familiar with the story-line, the plot twists and shocks seemed to come as a genuine surprise all the same.
Every single member of the cast was flawless – the laughs came in all the right places, the singing was on point, and the dancers threw shapes like the kids from Diversity.
For anyone wanting to go for the music alone, they won’t be disappointed. Whilst there is some dialogue, it is mostly comprised of Whitney Houston hit after another. However, due to the well thought out placement of the songs, they blend seamlessly with the script, and it never feels as though they were plonked there for the hell of it.
I’d recommend this musical to just about anybody. At two hours and thirty minutes long (including a 15 minute interval), it is just about short enough to hold the attention of a younger audience, and the bladder control of the older.
A truly mesmerising show, and an absolute must see this summer.
words BETHAN WINNALL
The Bodyguard, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, until Sat 27 June. Tickets: £17.50-£48 / premium seats £53.50-£57.50 / standing tickets £23.50-£27.50. Info: www.wmc.org.uk