When you are stepping into Whitney Houston’s shoes the pressure is well and truly on.
But last night’s standing ovation for The Bodyguard The Musical was proof it’s leading ladies Emily Williams, who played Rachel Marron, and Emily-Mae, who played Nicki Marron, were up to the job.
We thoroughly enjoyed this show, now treading the boards at Oxford’s New Theatre until Saturday.
The Bodyguard The Musical started with a bang (quite literally) and took us on a roller coaster ride of suspense, romance and tragedy and a fantastic journey through Whitney’s back catalogue including I wanna dance with somebody, How will I know, Greatest love, Saving all my love and of course the spectacular I will always love you.
Celebrity singer Rachel Marron has received threatening letters and her manager persuades bodyguard Frank Farmer, played by Ayden Callaghan, to step in and look after Rachel and her young son Fletcher.
However, Rachel is not keen – at their first meeting she points out to the slender but muscular Frank that he doesn’t look like a bodyguard – he quips “what did you expect someone bigger”, adding: “this is my disguise”.
Their relationship gets off on the wrong foot, Frank wants to restrict her movements in order to protect her, but Rachel and the majority of her team, won’t comply. But when she’s put in danger at a performance (watch out for the slo-mo rescue) she starts to understand the seriousness of her situation.
As a way to make peace, the pair go out to a karaoke bar. This is the point the show’s singing took a short turn for the worse – there were plenty of knowing giggles in the audience as the bar’s other patrons screeched through tunes and then there was Frank’s rendition of I will always love you (we’ll leave you to make your own minds up). The evening was a chance to release some tension between the pair and it wasn’t long before romance was in the air.
But the relationship was short-lived and for Frank the job must come first. Rachel was still in danger and her stalker, played by Marios Nicolaides, was out there looking for his chance to pounce. His motive and identity were unclear which meant Frank was forced to take extreme action which had tragic consequences
This show had it all – great tunes, great dancing, a gripping story and a scary baddie.
Special mention must go to Kaylen Luke (Fletcher) who made his professional theatre debut with the show, and he was wonderful. He was super cute, confident and a great little dancer. And talking of dancers, the ensemble were also fabulous. Finally we wanted to highlight the amazing set – with the swish of a curtain we were transported from a mansion, to a karaoke club, a concert stage and even a log cabin.
There’s still time to see The Bodyguard The Musical – its playing at the New Theatre Oxford until Saturday. For more information and to book tickets view https://www.oxford-theatre.com/theatres/new-theatre-oxford/the-bodyguard.php
Who is Emily Williams?
Emily Williams is a New Zealand-born Australian singer and songwriter who gained popularity in 2005 when she came second in the third season of Australian Idol.
The singer was then part of the group Young Diva’s, before enjoying solo success. Her role as Rachel Marron makes her the first woman of Polynesian descent to score a leading role in a UK musical.
Of course, you will want to know if she can belt out Whitney to any success, and the proof is in the clip below.
