Whether you’re there for Whitney Houston’s incredible back catalogue, you know the story like the back of your hand, or you simply want to see Adam Garcia back on stage, The Bodyguard is a musical that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
For those unfamiliar with the story, the show is based on the 1992 film. It follows global superstar Rachel Marron, whose fame has attracted the unwanted attention of a dangerous stalker. To keep her safe, her management hires former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer as her bodyguard. The pair initially clash over who’s in charge, but as the threat grows ever closer, professional duty slowly turns into romance.
For many people though, myself included, this is really an opportunity to hear the incredible back catalogue of Whitney Houston performed live. While The Bodyguard is very much a jukebox musical, the fact it is packed with some of the greatest pop songs ever written makes the story far more engaging than many shows in the genre.
The evening begins with an absolute heart-stopper of an opening, complete with a jump scare that had the audience squealing, and it certainly wasn’t the last. From that moment onwards, the tension never really lets up. The production leans heavily into the thriller elements of the story, keeping the audience constantly wondering when the stalker will strike next.
Whoever steps into the role of Rachel Marron has enormous shoes or heels to fill. Whitney Houston made the character her own on screen and it’s impossible not to compare every performance with hers. Mireia Mambo who played Rachel on this night, however, does an admirable job. Her voice is huge, effortlessly handling the demanding power ballads, and she commands the stage with real confidence and presence. She also looks every inch the global superstar, bringing an athletic energy to the role that makes the concert scenes completely believable.
When it really matters, particularly during those soaring Whitney vocals, she absolutely delivers.
The relationship between Rachel and Frank, however, didn’t quite convince me. There just seemed to be a little chemistry missing between the pair.
That brings us to Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer.
Kevin Costner’s portrayal in the film is so iconic that comparisons are inevitable, but Garcia wisely makes the role his own. His Frank is softer and more emotionally open than Costner’s, which works well in many scenes. Personally, I just never fully believed him as the intimidating former Secret Service agent the story sometimes requires. That’s not to say he doesn’t give a strong performance, and for anyone wondering… yes, Adam Garcia does get the chance to show off his dancing skills.
Technically, the production is superb.
The lighting design, projections and clever stagecraft create a slick, cinematic feel throughout. One moment you’re watching a spectacular arena concert complete with pyrotechnics and dazzling visuals, the next you’re transported into intimate domestic scenes. The use of shadows and projected imagery to represent the stalker is particularly effective, creating an unsettling atmosphere that lingers throughout the show.
And then there’s the music.
From Queen of the Night and I Wanna Dance with Somebody to Run to You, every song lands exactly as you’d hope, before everything builds towards an emotional performance of I Will Always Love You. It’s impossible not to be swept away by the music, and the choreography throughout deserves special praise. Every routine is performed with precision and energy, with dancers flipping and twisting around each other, adding another layer to an already polished production.
Overall, The Bodyguard is fun, entertaining and genuinely thrilling in equal measure. It combines suspense, romance, spectacular staging and powerhouse vocals with one of the greatest songbooks ever assembled.
It may be based on a much-loved film, but it’s Whitney Houston’s music that makes this production soar.
Quite simply, it’s one of those musicals you have to see for the songs alone.
The BodyGuard is at the Wales Millennium centre until the 25th July tickets start from £22
Here- https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2026/the-bodyguard
