North West

The Bodyguard – Liverpool Empire Theatre

This performance definitely packed a punch.

Serving all the glitz and glamour required in the set, costumes, lighting (and even fire!), to paint Rachel Marron’s celebrity status, the Empire lived up to expectations once again.

Melody Thornton as lead, and Ayden Callaghan as her bodyguard looked the part but played comfortably, at times overshadowed by the intense production effects around them. That said, bringing their extensive performing knowledge to the stage, they allowed the other cast members to shine, and who will be the main focus of this article.

Iesa Miller, as Fletcher, was a bright spark. His smile shone right to the back row and his voice was not out of place next to the pop stars.

Emily-Mae, as Nicki Marron, stole the stage every time. She sang to a brilliant standard with complete ease, a fantastic addition to the show.

Chris Egan, as orchestrator, delivered a breath-taking soundtrack. The collaboration of the talented musicians filled the theatre and created a perfect platform that had people singing along from the start.

Alexandros Beshonges, as an ensemble dance member, drew attention with his vigour. Every time he was on stage, he appeared present and each of his steps were both impressive and exciting to watch.

This musical classic was an enjoyable evening with some brilliant moments, brought to the audience from those aforementioned. A perfect evening if you want to sing to the Whitney Houston hits, but not a complete hit overall from an acting perspective for some of the bigger names involved.

Tickets are still available for the remaining shows running at the Empire until March 25th. https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire/

Reviewer: Hannah Esnouf

Reviewed: 20th March 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★

Hannah Esnouf

Recent Posts

The Lads – Hen & Chickens Theatre

‘Toxic masculinity’ continues to be a fizzing hot topic. In the past few years, it’s…

1 hour ago

I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical – Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

With everyone from Tina Turner to Frank Sinatra getting the jukebox musical biopic treatment as…

5 hours ago

Bathroom – Etcetera Theatre

‘Bathroom’ is a beautiful, deeply affecting piece of theatre, defined by vulnerability and an acute…

5 hours ago

The Alternative to Living – Baron’s Court Theatre

‘The Alternative to Living’ is an ambitious piece that aims to explore uncomfortable themes through…

1 day ago

White Bitch Bingo – Baron’s Court Theatre

Caroline Cole's ‘White Bitch Bingo’ is less a stand-up comedy than a warm and fuzzy,…

1 day ago

Ophelia — Etcetera Theatre

Ophelia by TheArchive is, in the company’s own words, not an adaptation; not a rewrite;…

2 days ago