Carole Louise Stennett sings in the British musical The Bodyguard during its debut in Shanghai on Friday, June 30, 2017. [Photo: thepaper.cn]

British stage musical The Bodyguard opened in Shanghai Friday night, at the start of a five-month tour of 13 Chinese cities.

A scene from the British musical The Bodyguard during its debut in Shanghai on Friday, June 30, 2017. [Photo: thepaper.cn]

The musical is based on the 1992 film of the same name, which starred and featured songs by the late American singer and actress Whitney Houston.

The role of Rachel Marron, made famous by Houston, is played by British actress Carole Louise Stennett.

Carole Louise Stennett sings in the British musical The Bodyguard during its debut in Shanghai on Friday, June 30, 2017. [Photo: thepaper.cn]

The musical debuted officially on 5 December 2012 in London's West End in tribute to Houston, who died earlier that year.

The show's producer, David Ian, says the version touring China is identical to the London stage show.

A scene from the British musical The Bodyguard during its debut in Shanghai on Friday, June 30, 2017. [Photo: thepaper.cn]

In addition to the five songs by Houston in the film, such as I Will Always Love You, her hit songs including So Emotional, One Moment in Time and Saving All My Love for You are also featured in the musical.

The stage show has already toured to the United States, the Netherlands and South Korea.