Nobody wants to see me do an impression of Kevin Costner
Former soap star Ayden Callaghan talks to MARION McMULLEN about stepping into the superstar’s shoes for a UK tour of The Bodyguard
What is it like taking on Kevin Costner’s film role of Frank Farmer in the tour of The Bodyguard?
I’m a big fan of the film and as a kid I watched it so many times. I’m aware that it is such an iconic role played by an iconic actor on film.
For me, while it’s a musical, it’s very like doing a play that’s intense and realistic. (Laughs) I don’t actually have to do any singing or dancing, which I am sure everyone will be delighted to hear.
He’s a tough guy, a professional guy, a complete leading man, but what I think is interesting is his fragility, his humanity. The Bodyguard is a big, wonderful romance and I like to think I have made Frank a real human being.
You’ve almost got to forget the movie. I’ve purposely not watched it again during rehearsals, but I will at some point on the tour.
What impact did the 1992 movie have on you?
I love the film so much. A friend and I were so obsessed with it when we were kids that we wanted to be bodyguards. We even found a specialist school in Canada were you could go to and train, but then I realised I would rather play the part of a bodyguard and flounce around than do it for real.
How is working with former Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton on the show as she takes on the Whitney Houston role?
She’s been creative and fun to work with and a lovely actress. It’s been really easy during rehearsals and I think we work together well. We are finding new things in the characters and I think it has been a rich experience for everyone.
Has it been easy to perfect an American accent?
It’s not bad. I grew up in the 80s and 90s when there was a real explosion of American TV and cartoons. (Laughs) I remember my mum saying ‘Why are you going around talking with an American accent?’
No-one wants to see me do an impression of Kevin Costner and I couldn’t do it anyway. I’m saying many of the same words, but we are different people. I’m placing the American accent for this role. Frank is not from the South, New York was too strong so I’ve settled on an East-ish accent.
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You’ve starred on TV in Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. Are you now looking forward to returning to the stage?
I started in theatre, but I’ve not been on stage for 12 years. In the dark of the night, at 3am in the morning, you lie there thinking ‘Can I actually do this? Can I remember all the lines? Can I get from the start to the finish of the show?’ But rehearsals were everything I had hoped for.
I had decided to take a little career break after Hollyoaks – it was a very intense time – and then the pandemic dropped and that was almost another two years. But it meant I was around for my two boys.
I was doing all the baths, bed times, nappies and school runs. I have been around for all that and been with them every day. They are both at school now and really settled, and my wife (TV presenter and actress Sarah Jane Honeywell) has been very supportive. I couldn’t do this tour without her. She’s taking on all this extra work and I will be heading home every Sunday and commuting from venues when I can. It’s the nature of the beast. You have to take the rough with the smooth. I think as long as the kids have their iPads, games and friends around they won’t really care too much if I’m not around all the time.
Do your two sons know what their daddy does for a living?
They’ve seen the poster for The Bodyguard and are very excited. The youngest one has been helping me with my lines and I have to stop him stealing them all from me.
(Laughs) I’ve got to keep an eye on him. I’ve got enough competition already. I’m sure they will come and see the show at some point.
I had decided to take a little career break after Hollyoaks – it was a very intense time...
You’re playing a bodyguard so who would you take a bullet for?
My family for sure – my wife and children. I’ve probably got one or two good friends that I would take a bullet for as well because I know they would do the same for me.
The Bodyguard tours from January 28 until the end of the year. Go to thebodyguardmusical. com for booking information.