Alexandra gives show the X-factor

THE BODYGUARD, Palace, Manchester, to January 9

UNLIKE the so-so movie that turned into one of the top grossing films of 1992, the stage musical version of “The Bodyguard” is deceptively engaging from the moment it bursts on stage with flames leaping, lights blazing, dancers dancing and leading lady Alexandra Burke belting through “Queen of the Night”.

Just as sentimental as the celluloid original, the musical has the benefit of three years of honing in the West End of London and two leads who aren’t as wooden as Kevin Costner and the late Whitney Houston.

On top of the undoubted singing talent of former “X Factor” winner Alexandra Burke as the stalked diva, and the ability of bodyguard Frank (Stuart Reid) to look butch on demand, the show has a deeply impressive set incorporating pre-filmed sequences (there’s even a romantic montage), some inch-perfect lighting cues and a nice line in set-shaping shutters, whose strongly-coloured borders form frames for the ever-changing action.

The musical follows the basic line of the movie, with tweaks to suit live performance: characters are foreshortened and incidents edited to keep the on-stage story fast and interesting.

As a result the plot can sometimes appear glib and contrived, but when placed in the context of the strong cast, very impressive set, great songs and smooth, movie-style changes from scene to scene, the show as a whole takes on high-energy life and carries you along.

Alexandra Burke, who has played the role of Rachel Marron since last summer, displays all the singing quality that made her an “X factor” star, while adding a previously unseen talent as an actress.

In the set-piece performance of “I Will Always Love You“ towards the end, her presence, voice, and the stage lighting combine to bring the audience to its feet.

Almost matching her in the singing department is Melissa James as her sister Nicki. Tall and beautiful, she’s a perfect storm of on-stage talent.

Stuart Reid has the worst of it, playing, as did Coster before him, the former Secret Service agent whose occupation has left him rather detached. Even so he manages better chemistry with his leading lady than did Costner and Houston.

Also notable is the youngster playing Marron’s son — confident with the lines and channelling Michael Jackson in a song and dance number.

“The Bodyguard” isn’t by any means a great musical, but it very successfully puts a popular film’s mood and action on stage in clever and interesting ways. It might not be the sort of show you wanted to see at Christmas, but it’s a mighty good present to give yourself...