The Bodyguard at GOH is a Musical Celebration of the late great Whitney Houston

There is something undeniably special about revisiting a story you already love, and for me, The Bodyguard holds a firm place in that category. The romance, the tension, and of course, the remembering the role Whitney Houston, made it iconic. So heading into the stage adaptation at the Grand Opera House, expectations were naturally high.

What the musical does cleverly, and rather brilliantly at times, is lean into Whitney’s musical catalogue more heavily than the film ever did. For fans, this is a real treat. The show feels almost like a celebration concert woven into a narrative, delivering hit after hit with energy that keeps the audience engaged throughout. There is no denying that the soundtrack alone is worth the ticket.

However, where things became more complex for me was in the portrayal of Rachel Marron by Sidonie Smith. Let me be clear, there is talent here, and plenty of it. But stepping into a role so intrinsically tied to Whitney Houston is no small feat. I found myself, perhaps unfairly, anticipating a vocal likeness or a similar stage presence. Instead, Smith brings something entirely her own. While some audience members may appreciate this fresh interpretation, I struggled to fully connect with it. The vocal tone, range, and overall delivery felt worlds away from what many of us instinctively associate with the role.

That said, theatre is about interpretation, not imitation, and it is important to recognise that distinction. This is not a tribute act. It is a reimagining. Whether that works for you will depend largely on what you come expecting.

A real highlight of the evening for me was Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer. Having interviewed Adam a few years ago when he brought Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Belfast, it was genuinely lovely to see him in such a contrasting role. Gone is the whimsical charm of that production, replaced with a grounded, protective, and quietly intense performance. And yes, I’ll admit it, I still find him incredibly dreamy. Some things don’t change.

The chemistry between the leads ebbs and flows, but the supporting cast and ensemble help maintain the show’s momentum. Visually, the production is slick, with strong lighting design and staging that transitions smoothly between concert-style performances and more intimate moments.

Equally deserving of praise is Sasha Monique as Nicki Marron. She brings a fabulous vocal strength to the role and captures the character perfectly, adding emotional depth and presence whenever she steps on stage. Her performance is one of the show’s strongest assets.

A special mention must also go to the young actor playing Fletcher, whose performance was nothing short of fantastic. Confident, natural, and full of charm, he brought a warmth to the stage that added an extra layer of heart to the production.

The supporting cast and ensemble work tirelessly to maintain pace and energy, while the staging and lighting create a slick, polished production that transitions seamlessly between intimate moments and full-scale musical numbers.

Ultimately, The Bodyguard Musical knows exactly what its audience wants. It delivers nostalgia, big songs, and theatrical spectacle in equal measure. While it may not fully capture the magic or vocal legacy of the original film, it offers a fresh and engaging take that will resonate with many.

This is a production that shines brightest when it embraces the music and spectacle. It may not fully replicate the magic of the original film, but it offers a fresh take that will undoubtedly resonate with many.

You can see the show until Saturday 9th May , tickets available from goh.co.uk