IT started with a gunshot bang and kept us on the edge of our seats from the outset.

Exciting, thrilling, uplifting, moving – The Bodyguard is a vibrant and refreshing new show that is right on target with today’s audiences.

Last night the press were invited in to see the UK touring production which received its premiere at Southampton Mayflower.

Despite allowing a few performances for it to iron out any technical difficulties, the show had to be suspended midway through act one due to a power failure that had affected the theatre and surrounding properties.

This was a pity because the audience had been utterly entranced and mesmerised but this unscheduled interval did nothing to mar the intense drama and excitement of this brilliant show.

Show producer Michael Harrison stepped on stage to fill time and apologise, saying: “I’ve heard of a show stopper but this is ridiculous – there has been a power surge somewhere in the building.

“The press are here and if we were going to get fourstar reviews I think we should get five just for sheer goodwill.”

The suggestion received a cheer from the audience and certainly this was to prove a five gold star-winning show. The opening scene set the grandiose scene – sliding walls created a cinematic feel and scale, accompanied by huge pyrotechnics, all designed to create a feel of the fame and power of our heroine Rachel Marron.

Alexandra Burke proved she had the sheer star quality and vocal talent to carry off this role, made famous by Whitney Houston when she starred alongside Kevin Costner in the movie on which this show is based.

Having honed the part on a three-month run in the West End, Alexandra proved breathtaking in the role, bringing passion and real humanity to the part.

Her little sister Nicki is played by another fine vocalist Melissa James, while Stuart Reid also plays a convincing part as bodyguard Frank Farmer.

Rachel’s son Fletcher deserves a mention for bringing real pathos to the show, while the psychopathic stalker Mike Denman proved creepy enough to send us all home having nightmares.

The songs are, of course, paramount to the success of this show, from Saving All My Love to I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and the final electrifying I Will Always Love You, which had the entire audience on its feet.

A truly exceptional show. Miss it at your peril – but it may now be standing room only!