REVIEW: THE BODYGUARD @ NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

🎭 The Bodyguard

📍 New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1QG

🗓 Monday 16th February 2026

⭐️ 2 Stars

A PAST HIT HAS LOST IT'S PULSE

It's no secret that I'm a bit of a fan-girl of THE BODYGUARD. In fact I've slapped a 5-star rating on previous tours without hesitation, but last night at the New Wimbledon Theatre, that glittering reputation didn't just slip - it fell flat on its face, landing with a huge thud.

For a show that has always had the "wow" factor, this production felt inexplicably stale. The momentum was non-existent, the emotion was missing in action, and for a show built on high-stakes romance, the chemistry was colder than the weather outside the theatre.

Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron was, unfortunately, a massive mismatch. She lacks that untouchable superstar "it-factor" required to lead a show of this scale. Vocally, there were some truly strange choices; she seemed to opt for lower arrangements that drained the life out of Whitney's iconic catalogue. I usually get physical chills during those big power ballads, but during this performance? Absolutely nothing.

I normally adore Adam Garcia on the stage. Once again, I've given him rave reviews in other shows, but the character of Frank Farmer felt completely wrong for him. He's a brilliant performer, but this role felt like a suit that just didn't fit. It was almost as if he was just delivering the lines, rather than living them. There was just a weird disconnect that is hard to explain. He should ooze an authority that was lacking here.

The production itself left me questioning everything. Without a powerhouse lead to distract me, I found myself noticing how dated the script feels, and how underwhelming some of the lighting and set choices are. Have they always been this "meh", or did previous casts just carry the weight better? A lot of the time scenes would happen in front of a boring, plain curtain while set changes were happening behind, but the lack of chemistry in the action made me realise how bland the stage often looked.

Sasha Monique was the undisputed saving grace. As Nicki Marron, she possessed the gorgeous vocals and commanding stage presence that the lead role was sorely missing. Every time she sang, the show finally felt alive.

While other members of the audience seemed happy to thrive on pure nostalgia - and I'll admit, the post-curtain call "party" finale is always a fun way to end the evening - the actual performance was a major let down. These songs deserve world-class treatment, but unfortunately in this production they just didn't get it.

I genuinely walked into the theatre expecting to award this production 5-stars, but all the elements I've talked about meant that this incarnation just didn't do it for me, and at times, was actually boring. I can't remember the last time I was so disappointed with a show I had seen before, and was excited to return to.

THE BODYGUARD continues performances at London's New Wimbledon Theatre until Saturday 21st February. Click here to check availability and to book tickets so you can make your own mind up on this latest production and cast.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of The Bodyguard was gifted by New Wimbledon Theatre who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST LIST:

Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron; Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer; Sasha Monique as Nicki Marron; Matt Milburn as Sy Spector; John MacAulay as Bill Devaney; Jonathan Alden as Tony Scibelli; James-Lee Harris as The Stalker; Ryan Bennett as Ray Court; Cale Cole as Fletcher

Ensemble: Taylor Bridges; Kayne Gordon; Ohaana Greaves; Alice Readie;Theo UK Rose; Emma-Jane Smith; Yiota Theo; Luke Walsh; Luke Woollaston; Zirihi Zadi

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 20 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Gunshots; Loud music; Stalking; Depiction of murder; Knife and gun imagery

AGE GUIDELINES:

10 +

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