Review: The Bodyguard Musical at The Regent Theatre*

[Ad-gifted] Last night, Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent Theatre sparkled with star power as The Bodyguard Musical opened to a packed and excited audience.

Led by the magnetic pairing of Adam Garcia as the stoic protector Frank Farmer and Sidonie Smith as the dazzling superstar Rachel Marron, the musical is based on the iconic 1992 film, The Bodyguard made famous by Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

Produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian, the show started with a bang to the opening song of “Queen of the Night” greeting the audience, and I instantly knew it was going to be a night to remember.

The production combined powerful choreography, atmospheric staging and powerhouse vocals to create a night of pure escapism. Smith’s commanding stage presence and rich vocal range showcased both the vulnerability and strength of Rachel, while Garcia brought a quiet intensity and understated charisma to his role. Together, they create a chemistry that felt both authentic and electric. This coupled with romance, suspense and a soundtrack bursting with iconic anthems accentuated the fact that The Bodyguard, The Musical is one high-energy show that you won’t want to miss.

What did I think of the show?

Growing up in the 80s, one thing was constant, Whitney’s power ballads that dominated the charts one song after the other!  This followed by the much-loved film, The Bodyguard in the 90s also starring Whitney and Kevin Costner was just iconic, so you can imagine my excitement as I sat waiting for the show to start.

From the moment the curtain rose, there were gasps from the audience and the floor went silent. The opening number “Queen of the Night” sung by Sidonie Smith was strong and I knew immediately that she was a formidable leading lady.  Smith was able to channel the spirit of Whitney by creating her own persona without imitating the diva ….as we all know for a fact, nobody can replace Whitney!  Smith brought warmth and vulnerability to Rachel Marron’s character, portraying not just a superstar but a mother and woman torn between her public persona and fears. Her charisma dominated the stage, commanding every scene with ease.

Opposite her, Adam Garcia brought a grounded, quietly powerful energy as Frank Farmer, the ex-Secret Service agent hired to protect Rachel from a dangerous stalker.  The chemistry between Garcia and Smith was sizzling hot so job well done to Casting Director, Beth Eden.

One of my favourite characters last night was Rachel’s sister, Nicki Marron played by Sasha Monique. She has such a powerful and captivating voice and was an equal or dare I say, better than Smith when it came to her vocals.  I thoroughly enjoyed her duets with Smith when they sang “Run to You”. Another audience favourite had to be Cale Cole who played Rachel’s son. He was such a charmer and the audience loved him every time he sang or danced on stage.

The ensemble cast were just pure talent and superbly polished! Their tight and energetic choreography arranged by Karen Bruce was executed with precision as it looked sleek and effortless on stage and it felt like an actual concert. This coupled with the quick stage change, atmospheric lighting by Mark Henderson, sound effects by Richard Brooker and the 3D video elements by Duncan Mclean gave the whole production a cinematic edge. Special mention also goes out to Tim Hatley who added the glitz and glam needed to create the Set Design as well as Costumes.

There were jump scare moments in the productions when The Stalker played by James-Lee Harris present himself on stage. Although he barely had much dialogue, he still made an impression with his cold and menacing nature, perfectly executed.

We were in shock when the two hour production ended as we could have easily watched another two hours of it, it was that good!  The show was brilliant, entertaining and thrilling, all at the same time propped by powerful ballads such as “I Have Nothing” and I Will Always Love You .  Opening night was certainly a success last night as the actors were given a standing ovation before the they sang “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” for the finale.

So go watch this amazing production which is running at the Regent Theatre until Saturday, 8 November for a glittering, emotional and thoroughly entertaining night.

Cast

Sidonie Smith Rachel Marron
Adam Garcia Frank Farmer
Sasha Monique Nicki Marron
Matt Milburn Sy Spector
John Macaulay Bill Devaney
Jonathan Alden Tony Sibelli
James-Lee Harris The Stalker
Ryan Bennett Ray Court
Taylor Bridges Ensemble
Kayne Gordon Swing
Ohaana Greaves Ensemble
Mireia Mambo Alternate Rachel Marron/Ensemble
Alice Readie Ensemble
Theo UK Rose Ensemble
Emma-Jane Smith Swing
Yiota Theo Swing
Luke Walsh Ensemble
Luke Woollaston Swing
Zirihi Zadi Ensemble
Rio Chigwedere Fletcher
Cale Cole Fletcher
Prince Conteh Fletcher
Mason Dyett Fletcher

Creatives

Thea Sharrock Director
Tracy Lane Associate Director
Patrick Molony Production Manager
Beth Eden Casting Director
Karen Bruce Choreographer
Mark Henderson Lighting Designer
Richard Beadle Musical Supervisor and Additional Vocal Arrangements
Richard Brooker Sound Designer
Duncan Mclean Video Designer
Lawrence Kasden Screenplay
Tim Hatley Set and Costume Designer
Karen Bruce Choreographer
Chris Egan Orchestrations & Additional Music

How much are the tickets?

Tickets are priced from £20 to £84.50. For Groups (10 or more), call their dedicated Groups team on 020 7206 1174 or email groupsales@atgtickets.com. A transaction charge applies to online/phone bookings.

How do I book tickets to watch The Bodyguard Musical?

Tickets are now on sale online by visiting ATG’s website here. Age guidance: 10+. Under 16s must be seated next to an adult (18+). Under 3s will not be admitted to the venue.

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

The show will be running until Saturday, 8 November 2025. The show runs for 2 hours and 20 minutes including interval at 7.30pm everyday with matinee shows at 2.30pm on Saturday.

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

Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/Paul Coltas