REVIEW:The Bodyguard The Musical, Mayflower Theatre

By Hilary Porter

FOUR years after The Bodyguard touring production made its stunning debut in Southampton Alexandra Burke is back starring as global superstar Rachel Marron.

I loved this "exciting, thrilling, uplifting and moving" show back then but this second outing, led by the former X Factor winner, has taken it to an even greater level.

Chart successes and her most recent appearances as ‘Svetlana’ in “Chess” and as ‘Roxie’ in “Chicago” in the West End must have helped, as well as reaching the final of “Strictly Come Dancing” and playing ‘Deloris Van Cartier’ in the national tour of the musical “Sister Act” which came to Mayflower Theatre last year.

Burke has all the star quality, confidence and vocal talent needed to carry off the role made famous by Whitney Houston when she starred alongside Kevin Costner in the 1992 movie on which this show is based. But, alongside her utterly convincing acting, she brings her own unique styling to the songs whilst performing the timeless hits exactly as they should be.

From gentle, understated and raspy vocals to big, passionate, powerful belters, every song she performed was awe-inspiring as she took on the soundtrack of the movie - including Whitney classics Run to You, I Have Nothing and Queen of the Night, boosted by all her greatest hits.

The production brought the music right up to date with dazzling costumes and sets. Alexandra's performance of I Have Nothing at the end of the first half was pivotal and of course the hugely emotional I Will Always Love You.

The show tells the story of soul superstar Rachel who is reluctantly assigned top bodyguard Frank Farmer (Benoit Marechal) to protect her from a stalker.

We are swept up by the relationship and struggles between them as they fight against their feelings as they fall in love. The chemistry between Burke and Benoit Marechal works a treat meaning we are genuinely rooting for Rachel and Frank and this never descends into being just a jukebox musical. Add to the mix Micha Richardson playing Rachel's jealous sister Nicki and a threatening stalker ( Phil Atkinson) and a super-talented ensemble and this is a first-class show.

A standing ovation and dancing by the whole audience to the floor-filler I Wanna Dance With Somebody closed the evening on a real high.

Not to be missed!

It runs until June 8.