A soaring, high octane tribute to the power of Whitney, wrapped in a thriller that will leave you breathless!
There is a distinct art to transforming a beloved 90s cinematic staple into a stage juggernaut, and the Theatre Royal in Plymouth proved last night that it has the formula down to an absolute science.
Opening on July 6th, 2026, this production of The Bodyguard delivered an overall vibe that was equal parts high octane pop concert and pulse pounding romantic thriller. From the literal, eardrum shattering explosive opening note which made me jump out of my seat, the audience was swept into a world of hyper glamour, flashing lights, and existential stalker dread.
Stepping into the formidable, iconic shoes of superstar Rachel Marron is no small feat, yet Mireia Mambo didn’t just walk in them, she strutted, soared, and utterly commanded the stage. Mambo treated the legendary Whitney Houston songbook not as a daunting mountain to climb, but as a personal playground. Her performance of “I Have Nothing” was a masterclass in vocal control, drawing every ounce of raw emotion out of the auditorium before unleashing a truly jaw dropping belt.
Opposite her, Adam Garcia provided the perfect anchor as the titular protector, Frank Farmer. Garcia plays the stoic security expert with a wry, rugged charm essentially treating a heavy, protective frown as a high art form, which beautifully balances Smith’s shimmering diva energy. Their chemistry has a wonderful slow burn magnetic pull, shifting seamlessly from initial workplace friction to genuine, touching vulnerability.
However, the secret weapon of the evening was undoubtedly Sasha Monique as the overlooked sister, Nicki Marron. Monique’s rendition of “Saving All My Love for You” was a magnificent standout moment, delivering a soulful, poignant performance that threatened to steal the spotlight entirely and left a few theatregoers damp eyed.
Equally impressive was the production’s remarkably realistic staging. The set design transitions fluidly between the cavernous, blindingly lit arenas of Rachel’s stadium concerts and the claustrophobic, shadow drenched intimacy of a remote cabin retreat. The tension during the tenser thriller set pieces felt genuinely visceral rather than campy, aided by sharp lighting cuts and cinematic pacing that kept the audience on the edge of their velvet seats.
By the time the final chords of “I Will Always Love You” echoed through the rafters, the entire auditorium was already on its feet. The resulting, instantaneous standing ovation wasn’t just a polite acknowledgment of local theatre; it was an enthusiastic, well earned roar of approval for a show that fires on all cylinders. If you are looking for pure, unadulterated musical escapism, The Bodyguard is definitely not to be missed!
Show is on until Saturday 11th July : https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/bodyguard/
Review by #OnePlymouth Suz Kiely
