REVIEW
✭✭✭✭☆ 4/5
THE BODYGUARD
SIDONIE SMITH TO PLAY ‘RACHEL MARRON’,
ADAM GARCIA ‘FRANK FARMER’,
SASHA MONIQUE ‘NICKI MARRON’
MATT MILBURN ‘SY SPECTOR’
AND
JAMIE-LEE HARRIS 'THE STALKER'
IN THE UK AND EUROPE TOUR
OF
THE AWARD-WINNING
SMASH HIT MUSICAL
Tue 13th January 2026 - Sat 17th January 2026
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
✭✭✭✭☆ 4/5
THE BODYGUARD
SIDONIE SMITH TO PLAY ‘RACHEL MARRON’,
ADAM GARCIA ‘FRANK FARMER’,
SASHA MONIQUE ‘NICKI MARRON’
MATT MILBURN ‘SY SPECTOR’
AND
JAMIE-LEE HARRIS 'THE STALKER'
IN THE UK AND EUROPE TOUR
OF
THE AWARD-WINNING
SMASH HIT MUSICAL
Tue 13th January 2026 - Sat 17th January 2026
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
Usually, if I’ve seen show a few times, I’ll ask someone else to review for me. However, The Bodyguard is one of those musicals that never disappoints. With the iconic score and melodramatic storyline, it’s a sure fire winner in grabbing the audiences attention, emotions and anticipation, literally from the get go. You can’t help but be drawn into the drama that unfolds. For those who haven’t seen it before, the production is based on the 1992 movie, starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner respectively as the musical diva, Rachel Marron and the titular Bodyguard who is hired to protect her and her family when the singer’s life becomes in danger after a letter from a psychotic stalker is found in her dressing room and one of her dresses goes missing.
Rachel, nicely played by Sidonie Smith, is a single parent juggling parenthood of her little boy, Fletcher (Prince Conteh) alongside writing award winning albums and performing sell out shows. As an Oscar nominee, her manager, Sy Spector (Matt Milburn), is on a mission to get her an Oscar by making sure she is getting herself out there to as many audiences as often as possible; but with the threat of a stalker on the loose, they make the decision to bring in bodyguard, Frank (Adam Garcia).
Frank, however, is not without his own issues, questioning his capabilities, having botched a previous high profile job and losing his confidence. He’s persuaded to return after making an initial connection with Fletcher, who he bonds with immediately over their love of cars. Rachel, on the other hand, is having none of it and - I always find this rather odd - rudely dismisses the fact that she needs a bodyguard at all and gives Frank the cold shoulder.
Underlying all of the drama is the narrative of Rachel’s sister, Nicki, who loyally works quietly behind the scenes for her sister, despite the fact that she could easily have been a singer herself but has let her sister take all the glory. It’s a believable dynamic where the character could easily be formed as bitter but Sasha Monique as Nicki truly endears and plays the role with an understated vulnerability. This comes to a head when, she falls for Frank herself, just as she discovers that her sister and Frank become much closer. It all makes for riveting viewing and along with the added tension that there is someone out there waiting for an opportunity to get closer to Rachel, your attention will be gripped to the very end.
There are lighter moments though amongst the drama and there’s a great scene where Frank (Adam Garcia) sings I Will Always Love You at the karaoke bar which is very funny. There’s also a great throw away from Nicki, where Sy despairing of Rachel’s behaviour comments, “I don’t know what’s got into her?” to which she retorts in a beat, “Frank”.
Of course this show is all about the music and the songs are all brilliantly segued into the narrative. With, All At Once, All The Man I Need, How Will I Know, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and of course the epic I Will Always Love You being just a few of the many Whitney songs included in this score, you can’t really go wrong.
It has to be said though, that whilst Sidonie takes on the leading role of Rachel with aplomb, the character of Nicki is hugely integral to the storyline, having been given a pretty hefty chunk of the show’s songs to take on too and Sasha Monique does this magnificently. Her vocals truly resonate with the emotions of each moment beautifully. Saving All My Love for You, All At Once as well as the duet, All The Man I Need alongside Rachel are all goose-bumpingly good.
In perhaps a rather unforgiving role, Jamie-Lee Harris is suitably chilling as the Stalker and kudos to the sound techs, Bertie Pugh and Lisa Pleass for providing some chilling moments throughout, keeping the audience on their toes.
There is a certain element of cheesiness to the show in places, not least at the end when Rachel begins to sing I Will Always Love You, a huge projected image of Frank is shown turning to join Rachel in an embrace which feels a bit tacky. To counterbalance this though, there is some great choreography from the ensemble throughout and the I'm Every Woman number gives them a chance to really show off their skills.
The Bodyguard is a dramatic, romantic thriller and it certainly delivers on all counts with a few sudden surprises that will have you jumping out of your seat; is Frank able to protect Rachel from the deadly stalker and will she be safe enough to perform at the Oscars? Go and find out, you won’t be disappointed. There’s also a great opportunity to get up and sing and dance-a-long at the end of the show too!
Review: Kim Tobin
Rachel, nicely played by Sidonie Smith, is a single parent juggling parenthood of her little boy, Fletcher (Prince Conteh) alongside writing award winning albums and performing sell out shows. As an Oscar nominee, her manager, Sy Spector (Matt Milburn), is on a mission to get her an Oscar by making sure she is getting herself out there to as many audiences as often as possible; but with the threat of a stalker on the loose, they make the decision to bring in bodyguard, Frank (Adam Garcia).
Frank, however, is not without his own issues, questioning his capabilities, having botched a previous high profile job and losing his confidence. He’s persuaded to return after making an initial connection with Fletcher, who he bonds with immediately over their love of cars. Rachel, on the other hand, is having none of it and - I always find this rather odd - rudely dismisses the fact that she needs a bodyguard at all and gives Frank the cold shoulder.
Underlying all of the drama is the narrative of Rachel’s sister, Nicki, who loyally works quietly behind the scenes for her sister, despite the fact that she could easily have been a singer herself but has let her sister take all the glory. It’s a believable dynamic where the character could easily be formed as bitter but Sasha Monique as Nicki truly endears and plays the role with an understated vulnerability. This comes to a head when, she falls for Frank herself, just as she discovers that her sister and Frank become much closer. It all makes for riveting viewing and along with the added tension that there is someone out there waiting for an opportunity to get closer to Rachel, your attention will be gripped to the very end.
There are lighter moments though amongst the drama and there’s a great scene where Frank (Adam Garcia) sings I Will Always Love You at the karaoke bar which is very funny. There’s also a great throw away from Nicki, where Sy despairing of Rachel’s behaviour comments, “I don’t know what’s got into her?” to which she retorts in a beat, “Frank”.
Of course this show is all about the music and the songs are all brilliantly segued into the narrative. With, All At Once, All The Man I Need, How Will I Know, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and of course the epic I Will Always Love You being just a few of the many Whitney songs included in this score, you can’t really go wrong.
It has to be said though, that whilst Sidonie takes on the leading role of Rachel with aplomb, the character of Nicki is hugely integral to the storyline, having been given a pretty hefty chunk of the show’s songs to take on too and Sasha Monique does this magnificently. Her vocals truly resonate with the emotions of each moment beautifully. Saving All My Love for You, All At Once as well as the duet, All The Man I Need alongside Rachel are all goose-bumpingly good.
In perhaps a rather unforgiving role, Jamie-Lee Harris is suitably chilling as the Stalker and kudos to the sound techs, Bertie Pugh and Lisa Pleass for providing some chilling moments throughout, keeping the audience on their toes.
There is a certain element of cheesiness to the show in places, not least at the end when Rachel begins to sing I Will Always Love You, a huge projected image of Frank is shown turning to join Rachel in an embrace which feels a bit tacky. To counterbalance this though, there is some great choreography from the ensemble throughout and the I'm Every Woman number gives them a chance to really show off their skills.
The Bodyguard is a dramatic, romantic thriller and it certainly delivers on all counts with a few sudden surprises that will have you jumping out of your seat; is Frank able to protect Rachel from the deadly stalker and will she be safe enough to perform at the Oscars? Go and find out, you won’t be disappointed. There’s also a great opportunity to get up and sing and dance-a-long at the end of the show too!
Review: Kim Tobin
THE BODYGUARD
SIDONIE SMITH TO PLAY ‘RACHEL MARRON’,
ADAM GARCIA ‘FRANK FARMER’,
SASHA MONIQUE ‘NICKI MARRON’
MATT MILBURN ‘SY SPECTOR’
AND
JAMIE-LEE HARRIS 'THE STALKER'
IN THE UK AND EUROPE TOUR
OF
THE AWARD-WINNING
SMASH HIT MUSICAL
Tue 13th January 2026 - Sat 17th January 2026
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
SIDONIE SMITH TO PLAY ‘RACHEL MARRON’,
ADAM GARCIA ‘FRANK FARMER’,
SASHA MONIQUE ‘NICKI MARRON’
MATT MILBURN ‘SY SPECTOR’
AND
JAMIE-LEE HARRIS 'THE STALKER'
IN THE UK AND EUROPE TOUR
OF
THE AWARD-WINNING
SMASH HIT MUSICAL
Tue 13th January 2026 - Sat 17th January 2026
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
From a school drama studio to international success - a story that celebrates local talent, dedication, and the power of arts education in schools
Sasha Monique
|
Jamie-Lee Harris
|
There’s a lot of excitement this week, as the popular West End and Broadway musical, The Bodyguard comes to the Cliffs Pavilion. Those who have more reason than most to be excited to see the show, are Shoeburyness High School's Performing Arts Department and in particular, Danielle Hedley-Jameson who has had the pleasure of teaching not just one member of The Bodyguard cast, but two! Former students, Sasha Monique and Jamie-Lee Harris are both starring alongside Sidonie Smith and Adam Garcia in the popular musical. They take on the pivotal roles of Nicki Marron and The Stalker.
The Bodyguard tells the story of Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer (Garcia), who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron (Smith) from an unknown stalker. A romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.
Performing Arts teacher, Mrs Hedley-Jameson, proudly tells Southend Theatre Scene, “Audiences at the Cliffs Pavilion will witness something truly special when two of our former students, Sasha Monique, and Jamie-Lee Harris take to the stage as leading performers in the UK and European tour of The Bodyguard. Both were trained as performing arts students at Shoeburyness High School, and to see them now starring in a major touring production is nothing short of extraordinary.”
She goes on to say, “What makes this particularly compelling is its sense of full circle. These performers were only a year apart during their time at school, each carving their own path through training, auditions, setbacks, and professional breakthroughs. Through sheer resilience, discipline, and talent, they have established themselves in the professional industry and now find themselves reunited in the same production, at the same time, performing on stage in their hometown theatre.” What are the odds?
The Bodyguard tells the story of Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer (Garcia), who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron (Smith) from an unknown stalker. A romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.
Performing Arts teacher, Mrs Hedley-Jameson, proudly tells Southend Theatre Scene, “Audiences at the Cliffs Pavilion will witness something truly special when two of our former students, Sasha Monique, and Jamie-Lee Harris take to the stage as leading performers in the UK and European tour of The Bodyguard. Both were trained as performing arts students at Shoeburyness High School, and to see them now starring in a major touring production is nothing short of extraordinary.”
She goes on to say, “What makes this particularly compelling is its sense of full circle. These performers were only a year apart during their time at school, each carving their own path through training, auditions, setbacks, and professional breakthroughs. Through sheer resilience, discipline, and talent, they have established themselves in the professional industry and now find themselves reunited in the same production, at the same time, performing on stage in their hometown theatre.” What are the odds?
Sasha as Nicki Marron
|
Jamie-Lee as The Stalker
|
Their return to Southend and the Cliffs Pavilion is already generating immense pride and excitement within the Shoebury school community with a large group of students and staff all set to attend one of the performances this week to support them.
“It certainly is inspiring for our current pupils to witness the tangible proof that ambition nurtured in the classroom can translate into real success on the world stage. For our young performers in training, this moment powerfully reinforces the belief that such achievements are not distant dreams, but achievable realities,” says Mrs Hedley-Jameson, adding, “this truly is a phenomenal achievement, and one that our community is immensely proud to share.”
For information on how you can get tickets to see The Bodyguard go to www.thebodyguardmusical.com.
Interview: Kim Tobin
“It certainly is inspiring for our current pupils to witness the tangible proof that ambition nurtured in the classroom can translate into real success on the world stage. For our young performers in training, this moment powerfully reinforces the belief that such achievements are not distant dreams, but achievable realities,” says Mrs Hedley-Jameson, adding, “this truly is a phenomenal achievement, and one that our community is immensely proud to share.”
For information on how you can get tickets to see The Bodyguard go to www.thebodyguardmusical.com.
Interview: Kim Tobin
Producers Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce that the UK and Europe tour of the award-winning smash hit musical THE BODYGUARD will star international leading lady Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron, Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer, Sasha Monique as Nicki Marron and Coronation Street and Hollyoaks star Matt Milburn as Sy Spector. At certain performances, the role of Rachel Marron will be played by Mireia Mambo.
Full tour schedule can be found below. Further casting info at www.thebodyguardmusical.com.
Sidonie Smith is an international musical theatre artist and no stranger to the role of Rachel Marron, having starred in The Bodyguard in Stuttgart, Germany, to critical acclaim. Her other theatre credits include the role of Kala in Disney’s Tarzan at the Colosseum, Stuttgart, Anita in West Side Story at Schlossfestspiele Schwerin, Sally Bowles in Cabaret at Theater Trier, Deloris van Cartier in Sister Act at L’theatre Switzerland, Velma Kelly in Chicago at Staatstheater Augsburg, Aida in Aida at Clingenburger Festspiele, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar at Bad Hersfelder Festspiele, Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde at Theater an der Rott, Pilar in Legally Blonde at Ronacher Theater Vienna, Maureen in RENT at Theater Trier, and Johanna in Sweeney Todd and Felicia Farrell in Memphis, both on German tours.
Adam Garcia recently starred as Caractacus Potts in the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. His musical theatre credits include Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever and Bill Calhoun in Kiss Me, Kate, for which he received Olivier Award nominations for both roles. His other theatre credits include Fiyero in Wicked, The Artilleryman in The War of the Worlds, Damien Karras in The Exorcist and Julian Marsh in Curve and Sadler’s Wells production of 42nd Street. His film credits include Kenneth Branagh’s Death on the Nile and Murder on the Orient Express, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Coyote Ugly and Riding in Cars with Boys. Adam recently appeared as a finalist in the UK series of The Masked Dancer, finishing in second place.
Full tour schedule can be found below. Further casting info at www.thebodyguardmusical.com.
Sidonie Smith is an international musical theatre artist and no stranger to the role of Rachel Marron, having starred in The Bodyguard in Stuttgart, Germany, to critical acclaim. Her other theatre credits include the role of Kala in Disney’s Tarzan at the Colosseum, Stuttgart, Anita in West Side Story at Schlossfestspiele Schwerin, Sally Bowles in Cabaret at Theater Trier, Deloris van Cartier in Sister Act at L’theatre Switzerland, Velma Kelly in Chicago at Staatstheater Augsburg, Aida in Aida at Clingenburger Festspiele, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar at Bad Hersfelder Festspiele, Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde at Theater an der Rott, Pilar in Legally Blonde at Ronacher Theater Vienna, Maureen in RENT at Theater Trier, and Johanna in Sweeney Todd and Felicia Farrell in Memphis, both on German tours.
Adam Garcia recently starred as Caractacus Potts in the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. His musical theatre credits include Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever and Bill Calhoun in Kiss Me, Kate, for which he received Olivier Award nominations for both roles. His other theatre credits include Fiyero in Wicked, The Artilleryman in The War of the Worlds, Damien Karras in The Exorcist and Julian Marsh in Curve and Sadler’s Wells production of 42nd Street. His film credits include Kenneth Branagh’s Death on the Nile and Murder on the Orient Express, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Coyote Ugly and Riding in Cars with Boys. Adam recently appeared as a finalist in the UK series of The Masked Dancer, finishing in second place.
Sidonie Smith
|
Adam Garcia
|
Sasha Monique recently starred in the UK tour of Hairspray as one of the Dynamites and cover Motormouth Maybelle. Her other theatre credits include The Book of Mormon at The Prince of Wales Theatre, and on its UK and European tour.
Matt Milburn most recently appeared on screen in ITV’s Coronation Street, returning to the role of Tommy Orpington. He is best known for his role as Joe Spencer in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, alongside its spin-off series Hollyoaks: After Hours. His other television credits include the role of Nicky Pritchard in ITV’s Emmerdale, as well as roles in Doctors and Brassic. Matt’s theatre credits include The House On A Cold Hill, Heartbeat, The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Mireia Mambo was recently seen as Richie Walters in Curve's production of A Chorus Line at Sadler’s Wells and on a UK tour. Her other theatre credits include Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre, Newsies at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, West Side Story at Curve Leicester, Hairspray at the London Coliseum, Motown the Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre, the original cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and Ragtime and Evita, both at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Mireia has also starred in Spanish tours of Sister Act as Deloris Van Cartier and The Bodyguard as Rachel Marron.
Matt Milburn most recently appeared on screen in ITV’s Coronation Street, returning to the role of Tommy Orpington. He is best known for his role as Joe Spencer in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, alongside its spin-off series Hollyoaks: After Hours. His other television credits include the role of Nicky Pritchard in ITV’s Emmerdale, as well as roles in Doctors and Brassic. Matt’s theatre credits include The House On A Cold Hill, Heartbeat, The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Mireia Mambo was recently seen as Richie Walters in Curve's production of A Chorus Line at Sadler’s Wells and on a UK tour. Her other theatre credits include Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre, Newsies at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, West Side Story at Curve Leicester, Hairspray at the London Coliseum, Motown the Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre, the original cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and Ragtime and Evita, both at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Mireia has also starred in Spanish tours of Sister Act as Deloris Van Cartier and The Bodyguard as Rachel Marron.
Sasha Monique
|
Matt Milburn
|
Mireia Mambo
|
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; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.
Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD, directed by Thea Sharrock with book by Oscar winning Alex Dinelaris, had its world premiere at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End and was nominated for four Olivier Awards. A sell out 18 month UK and Ireland tour followed, before the show returned to the West End at the Dominion Theatre ahead of two further sell out tours of the UK and Ireland in 2018/19 and 2023.
To date, THE BODYGUARD has played to over 3.9 million people in 15 countries and 45 US cities. Countries include the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Canada, Italy, Australia, Spain, France, the US, Austria and Japan.