The Bodyguard
The real star of this production is Mirela Mambo, whose exceptional vocals and assured acting make Rachel Marron her own.
Based on the hugely successful 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard was always going to be a difficult production to bring to the stage. The original combined Whitney Houston’s extraordinary vocals with Kevin Costner’s memorable portrayal of Frank Farmer, creating a film that remains firmly embedded in popular culture. Recreating that particular combination on stage is no easy task, but this production delivers an enjoyable and, at times, genuinely outstanding evening of musical theatre.
The Congress Theatre provides a fitting setting for the production, with the staging keeping much of the focus firmly on the music. The sets are generally minimalist, relying on projections, lighting and backdrops to move the story between locations. While there are moments when the simplicity of the staging slightly limits the overall theatrical impact, it works well when paired with the strength of the performances and allows the iconic soundtrack to remain the true focus of the evening.
The standout performance comes from Mirela Mambo as Rachel Marron. Listed as the alternate Rachel, Mambo is anything but a second choice, delivering a performance that is undoubtedly the highlight of the production. She captures Rachel’s confidence, vulnerability and the pressures of life in the spotlight, while her vocals are particularly impressive. Taking on a score made famous by Whitney Houston was always going to be a formidable challenge, but Mambo handles the songs with remarkable confidence and power, making the role entirely her own.
The portrayal of Frank Farmer provides a suitably restrained contrast to Rachel’s more expressive character, while the supporting cast also delivers strong performances throughout. Sasha Monique is particularly impressive vocally, making a memorable contribution whenever she takes to the stage. The ensemble works well with the material, although the smaller scale of the production and minimalist staging occasionally make the difference between the principal performers and the wider cast more noticeable.
For those familiar with the original film, the stage adaptation remains recognisable and largely faithful to the storyline, although there are some changes and omissions that occasionally make parts of the narrative feel slightly diluted. Fortunately, these moments are short-lived, and the production quickly returns to the familiar story audiences know and love.
Ultimately, however, The Bodyguard is a musical built around its music, and there is little doubt that the songs are the star of the show. The production does not quite recreate the unique chemistry and impact of the original film, but it does not need to. Instead, it offers its own interpretation, and when the big musical numbers take over, it becomes an incredibly enjoyable and powerful night at the theatre.
The audience reaction said it all, with the energy building towards a celebratory finale, standing ovation and dance-filled encore. While the staging can occasionally feel a little too simple and the production does not quite reach the heights of the iconic film, these shortcomings are largely overcome by the strength of the leading performances. Mirela Mambo’s exceptional portrayal of Rachel Marron is reason alone to see the show, helping to make The Bodyguard an entertaining, emotional and musically impressive production that fans of both the film and Whitney Houston’s music will thoroughly enjoy.
Theatre: The Congress Theatre
Reviewer: Em Davison
Date: 17/10/2026
Stars: 3.5
