The Bodyguard

Starring: Heather Headley, Lloyd Owen

Star rating: ****

Tribute concerts, theatre shows or otherwise, have always been something i am really sceptical about. I can't get my head around the concept that these can be anything but cheesy. The stage cast are always made up, by frankly people described as wannabes and the audience are made up by groupies of the original music group/singer etc. I went to see Viva Forever earlier this month, and was massively disappointed by the lack of imagination put into portraying a band which had been such a big part of my childhood. (check out my review here). So with a very critical outlook, I headed to the Adelphi Theatre to watch 'The Bodyguard'.

The stage production is literally based on the 90s thriller where global popstar is being pursued by a psycho stalker who thinks he can own her by killing her. A bodyguard is hired to protect the popstar and her family and the storyline is based around the relationship between the singer and her bodyguard.

It has to be noted that this musical only came about because of the death of Whitney Houston and even if you are not a fan of the singer, this production is a must see. The songs of the famous star are emulated to great accuracy and the voices of the lead, Heather Headley fill the room with such magic, that you do just feel like you are being enchanted. Special mention has to be given to the set design and the choreography which is so fantastically done, you are moved on from one scene to the next so smoothly that you don't even notice. The lack of chemistry between the two leads, Headley and Lloyd Owen, is a bit of a let down but the musical numbers more than make up for this. Watch this show to experience some real magic in the West End with a fantastic soundtrack.