The Bodyguard - Oxford New Theatre - Nov 13 to Nov 21
Review by Sue Roberts
Just to warn you here, it really is an explosive start to this show. It actually made me jump. I’ve always been a fan of the film The Bodyguard and when I heard that the West End musical adaptation would be coming to Oxford with X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke in the Whitney Houston¬†role as Rachel Marron, I jumped at the chance. In case you haven’t seen it, former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel¬†Marron¬†from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge ‚Äì what they don’t expect is to fall in love. The show¬†features a whole host of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits including¬†Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, I’m Your Baby Tonight, Run to You, I Have Nothing, Jesus Loves Me, I¬†Wanna¬†Dance With Somebody¬†and one of the greatest hit songs of all time ‚Ä쬆I Will Always Love You.
I was especially impressed with the sets. They were really imaginative and really made you feel part of the story. 
I must admit, I didn’t know if Alexandra Burke would live up to the hype - but she really did. She has an amazingly strong voice¬†and¬†belted out every song.
There was also a really good supporting cast with Melissa James as ‘Rachel’s’ sister. Her voice was really good too. And the lad who played Rachel’s son Fletcher was also really good.
I loved this show from start to finish. There was excellent dancing throughout and it was a real feel good show. 
At the end there was an instant standing ovation after ‘I will always love you’ with Alexandra Burke on a plinth which rose up at the front of the stage, followed by singalong ‘I want to dance with somebody’.
Definitely a show that left me smiling and wanting more.