Theatre Review: The Bodyguard is a cacophony of sound and delight (at QPAC Brisbane to 13th August)

Have you ever said to yourself, “this weekend I want an uber-cheesy, sparkly glittery, overly accented, pyrotechnic spectacular?” Well then maybe The Bodyguard – which just kicked off its four week run in Brisbane – is for you.

Whether or not you’ve seen the movie is not in the criteria to enjoy this show. It’s got its own stigma, and mixed opinions by theatre goers of all walks of life – but then again so did Cats and we know how long that’s been running for.

Paulini in the lead role is exactly as the starlet should be played. She is striking, sassy, a choir packed into one woman and a walking target for the killer.

The stunning choreography and support characters make the show. Explosive beginnings and earth shattering curtain drops keep you on the edge of your seat, as well as the songs you love to keep you bopping or to melt your heart. Prinnie Stevens as Nicky doesn’t get enough credit.

Without giving away the game, she is the sister who feels she’s in the shadows. But the set of pipes on her wouldn’t make you believe it. Speaking of credit where credits due, both Brendan Irving as The Stalker and Andrew Hazzard as the workaholic PR agent bring the house down but for incredibly different reasons.

The only thing that can be said for this is perhaps in some scenes there was a sense of knowing lines well certainly, but not quite reacting to lines. There wasn’t a beat to let it sink in; there was a preternatural element that showed the characters clearly knew what was coming.

Despite this, the show is a huge operation. To the unsung costume makers, movers and shakers, the set designers, and the little one-liners, the show is a cacophony of sound and delight. Anyone with a little spirit of Whitney within them will love this show.

The Bodyguard is now playing at QPAC Brisbane, with performances on sale through 13th August. For tickets and more details head HERE.

The reviewer attended the show on 22nd July 2017.

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