Theatre Review: The Bodyguard, Bristol Hippodrome
Rating: ★★★
Running Dates: Tuesday 11th August – Saturday 15th August 2026
Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome
Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes (incl. interval)
Photography by Paul Coltas
Review
The Whitney classics hit the mark, but the story falls flat
Based on the early 90’s juggernaut film ‘The Bodyguard’ that catapulted Whitney Houston, already a star, to superstar status - this musical takes on this classic and adapts it for the stage.
Originally opening in 2012, the Hippodrome is treated to this night of serious talent and tunes we all know and love, and absolutely loaded with cheese - sadly, for me - this ventured into cringe status.
The storyline follows Rachel Marron (Mireia Mambo for one night only) & Frank Farmer (Adam Garcia) who is hired to be Rachel’s bodyguard after a series of ever increasing threats to Rachel’s life by a stalker. We watch their relationship unfold from distain to love/lust fairly quickly and by the time the interval comes round you have a little bit of whiplash by how fast the relationship develops.
Adam Garcia - one for the millennials for whoever remembers Coyote Ugly made for a very stoic Frank and played the part with poise. But I will always love to see Adam dance, and this doesn’t feel like a role where he can truly show off his talents.
Special shoutout to Sasha Monique who had a voice like absolute butter - and really shone when she sung.
Photography by Paul Coltas
The staging and lighting really captured the scenes when Rachel was performing and broke down that fourth wall so we were the audience within the story itself. However, some of the transitions using projections felt super cheesy.
Overall, this is a fun ride - you cannot fault the music, the singing and everyone in the audience was having the time of their lives. It’s just the story isn’t up to much.
Standout Moment: The megamix at the end of the show that got everyone up on their feet for a boogie
See If: You are looking for a fun night night and love a bit of Whitney
Last Impressions: Fun night out but not much more than surface level
Similar Musicals: Ghost, Pretty Woman
Written by Steph Clarke
Disclaimer: These tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review