[Photo provided to China Daily]

The award-winning musical Bodyguard, which is based on the 1992 hit movie of the same name starring US actor Kevin Costner and the late US singer-actress Whitney Houston, is being staged in Beijing through July 30, before visiting other Chinese cities, including Wuhan and Nanjing, later this year.

The romantic thriller, which was written by screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan, was adapted for the stage by Oscar winner Alexander Dinelaris.

It premiered in 2012 at the Adelphi Theatre London, starring Heather Headley and Lloyd Owen. The musical follows pop superstar Rachel Marron, who is stalked and employs a bodyguard, Frank Farmer, to protect her. The two develop a relationship as time passes.

The movie's soundtrack has become a best-seller, and includes songs performed by Houston like I Will Always Love You, I Have Nothing and Run to You.

Directed by Thea Sharrock, the musical was nominated for four Olivier Awards, including best new musical.

The musical finished its West End run in 2014 and toured the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and Australia before coming to China.