Review: THE BODYGUARD at The Regent Theatre*

[Ad-gifted] Last night I headed off to The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent to watch an old time favourite THE BODYGUARD on stage. To say I was excited is an understatement, I mean what’s better than getting to watch a classic film from your childhood live on stage with the most iconic songs throughout?

The theatre was bursting when we arrived with queues to get in. The staff were as amazing as always on hand to guide you to where you needed to be. We were seated in the stalls and there were barely any seats free. As the ushers closed the doors to the theatre, the show quite literally started with a bang, pitch black and the opening scene of a silhouette of Frank Farmer (played by former Emmerdale star and very handsome Ayden Callaghan) protecting a client from an assassin which had everyone jump out of their seats and fully engaged.

It then flitted to accreditations of Rachel Marron the star of the show. Once the scrim lifted the stage lit up in flames with Rachel Marron played by Samantha Mbolekwa (the alternate Rachel Marron) and her incredible vocals belting out the hit ‘Queen of the Night’, which was like a scene out of Magic Mike with the most chiselled men dancing around her.

As the story unfolds, although the main storyline was true to the film that we all know and love. Which is built around Rachel Marron having a stalker, which leads to having to enhance her security with former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer, much to the stars dismay. There a other twists throughout.

The musical included her sister and PA Nicki Maron (played by Emily-Mae who’s credits on stage include Frozen, Little Shop of Horrors and more). Although she is her sister’s personal assistant, you see her not only helping her write songs but performing herself in a small bar. In the scene where she is singing, Frank visits to ensure she returns home safe. I feel this scene was paramount not only to showcase her sensational vocals which where on par if not better than her sisters, but how she falls for the former agent Frank Farmer herself. Which ultimately shows the jealousy which has formed.

Marios Nicolades who plays the stalker doesn’t say much nor did he need to as his stage presence was menacing enough. Sy Spector, Rachels publicist played by James Groom was comical throughout.  But it was Rachels son Fletcher, was played by Kaylenn Aires Fonseca (who currently trains at The Deborah Day Theatre School) was the secret star of the show for me. who was present almost throughout. Not only was his acting phenomenal but his dancing skills, as he joined in on the well-choregraphed dance scenes not to mention his voice when he sang!

My favourite scene was where we saw Rachels’ softer side and she asked Frank Farmer to take her on a date. He took her to a karaoke bar which had a group of girls singing (in the same fashion myself and many others could relate to, when we have had one too many and think belting out a Whitney classic is a good idea). She was trying to figure him out and the placed a bet which if she won, he sang. She lost, but Frank Farmer got up and did an hilarious rendition of the all time classic ‘I will always love you’.

The play and overall production from scene changes and lighting were nothing short of amazing, creating the mood and setting the scene flawlessly in what almost felt cinematic. The show ended with a full standing ovation which was truly deserved. Once everyone had taken the final encore it bust into ‘I wanna dance with somebody’ with not only the whole cast singing and dancing together but the audience too!

It had me jumping out of my seat on more than one occasion, laughing, crying and singing! If you haven’t booked already I highly recommend you do so.

Cast

Ayden Callaghan is best known for his roles as Miles De Souza in Emmerdale and fan favourite Joe Roscoe in Hollyoaks. Additional television credits include Doctors, Eastenders, Bad Education, Casualty and The Bill. His stage credits include the roles of Dr Treves in The Elephant Man at The Trafalgar Studios, Malcolm in Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce on UK Tour, directed by Peter Hall, and Dean Snaith in Ayckbourn’s If I Were You on UK Tour.

Melody Thornton is a multi-platinum Grammy-nominated artist, selling over 70 million albums as a member of one of the most celebrated girl groups of all time, The Pussycat Dolls. In 2020 she released her much-lauded debut solo EP, Lioness Eyes. Melody received rave reviews and audience acclaim for her performance as Rachel Marron when The Bodyguard toured China for six months. In 2018 she reached the final five in ITV’s Dancing On Ice, and most recently won The Masked Singer Australia.

Emily-Mae’s theatre credits include Disney’s Frozen and City of Angels both in the West End, Are You as Nervous as I Am? and Brooklyn the Musical at Greenwich Theatre, the National Tour of Paul Kerryson’s Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors at Storyhouse, Chester and The Producers at the Royal Exchange.

John Macaulay’s theatre credits include the UK Tour of Fatal Attraction, The Comedy of Errors at Citizens Theatre, Glasgow and the RSC’s productions of The Merry Wives of Windsor, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth. Graham Elwell’s credits include Of Mice and Men at the Birmingham Rep and UK Tour, and the role of Carlos in the UK Tour of The Last Of The Duty Free. His screen credits include BBC’s The Miniaturist and Trying for Apple TV. James Groom’s theatre credits include the titular role of Killer Joe at the Trafalgar Theatre. His television credits include ITV’s Emmerdale and BBC’s The First Team. Marios Nicolaides’ theatre credits include the role of Frank Jr in Saturday Night Fever both in the West End and UK Tour, Annie at the Piccadilly Theatre and in Toronto, and the UK Tour of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Fergal Coghlan most recently appeared in Sus at the Park Theatre, and For King and Country at the Southwark Playhouse. His television credits include ITV’s Emmerdale, HBO’s Watchmen and Channel 4’s Humans.

Further casting for the tour includes Emily-Mae as Nicki Marron, John Macaulay as Bill Devaney, Graham Elwell as Tony, James Groom as Sy Spector, Marios Nicolaides as Stalker and Fergal Coghlan as Ray Court.  The role of Fletcher will be shared by Kaylenn Aires Fonseca, Iesa Miller, Frankie Keita and Reneo Kusi-Appauh.

The cast is completed by Alexandros Beshonges, Kayne Gordon, Jack Hardwick, Kalisha Johnson, James Lee Harris, Samantha Mbolekwa, Abbie Quinnen, Kellie Rhianne, Charlotte Scally, Yiota Theo and Marco Venturini.

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are priced from £13 to £61.

How do I book tickets to watch THE BODYGUARD?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7615 or by visiting ATG’s website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

Estimated running time is 2 hours and 11 minutes (including interval).  The show will be running until Saturday, 4 March 2023. The shows will be at 7.30pm with a matinee show on Saturday at 2.30pm.  Do visit their website for more details.

Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?

Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649

About The Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

Tips / Information

Review by: Chloe O’ Malley

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Review: The Shawshank Redemption at The Regent Theatre

Review: Saturday Night Fever at The Regent Theatre

Review: Blood Brothers at The Regent Theatre

Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/Paul Coltas and Matt Crockett/Dewynters

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.