Immortalised mostly for spawning perhaps the best-known love song of all-time ('I Will Always Love You'), 1992 film 'The Bodyguard' has been turned into a hit stage musical.
Originally starring Kevin Costner and the late Whitney Houston, 'The Bodyguard' tells the story of unlikely love that blossoms between singer Rachel Marron (Houston) and Frank Farmer (Costner).
The Australian production stars TV's Kip Gamblin ('Home & Away', 'All Saints', 'Dance Academy', 'Neighbours') as Frank and former Australian Idol contestant Paulini as Rachel. Here we chat with Kip about his role and the show.
Kip Gamblin - Image © Peter Brew BevanHow has the show been going so far?
The audiences in Sydney have loved the show – and we as a cast are having a blast. It’s hard work but the reaction night after night from people makes it all worth it.
Had you seen the original movie prior to landing the lead role?
Yes I had seen the movie early when it first came out… But leading up to the audition I tried not to see the movie as I didn’t want to be too influenced by Kevin Costner – I knew the musical would be a bit different anyway and I wanted to make the character my own. I did however watch it again after we were well into rehearsals – about a week before we opened!
What do you bring to the role of Frank Farmer (played in the film by Kevin Costner)?
I bring the discipline of having been trained as a classical dancer and I guess the skills that I have honed for the past 40 years! As it is a complex stage show I needed to bring a bit of stage craft to the Frank Farmer character.
Image © Jeff BusbyWhat was most challenging part about preparing for the role?
The stamina required and the commitment of mind. In a stage show of this magnitude – and when you are on stage for so much of it – you have to be switched on for the entire time. There are no take two's here and you need that mental and physical stamina.
For fans of the film, is there something new or different in the musical?
Definitely! There is a karaoke scene, the most amazing dancers – lets just say the hottest dancers in Australia are in our show! The costumes are phenomenal, there are pyrotechnics – flames, guns and a simply amazing set design. There are a few extra songs – 'Million Dollar Bill' – 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' – all the big hits which everyone sings along to every night.
What's been your favourite song to perform?
'I Will Always Love You'.
Image © Jeff BusbyThe story is about a pop star and her obsessed stalker. Have you picked up any crazy stalkers of your own yet?
Yes – there is this one lady who keeps turning up at stage door – not sure how many times she has seen the show. But she is not a crazy stalker – she is just really nice and loves the show!
You versus Kevin Costner in an arm wrestle; who wins?
Hello?! Me of course – he is about 60 now surely.
Who would you like to be your bodyguard?
Paulini – she is the most lovely person and I’m fairly confident could handle herself in a fight too.
'The Bodyguard The Musical' Tour Dates
19 July-13 August – Queensland Performing Arts Centre24 August-15 October – Regent Theatre (Melbourne)
