THE HARDER THEY COME to return to Stratford East

Adapted by Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog) and directed by Olivier Award-winner Matthew Xia (Skeleton Crew, Donmar Warehouse), The Harder They Come transports audiences to 1970s Jamaica, where we are introduced to an aspiring singer named Ivan. Determined to live out his dreams on his own terms and make it as a music superstar, he obtains a record deal with a manipulative music mogul. However, as he rises to fame, he finds himself topping the charts and the most-wanted list of criminals.

This staging of the seminal film features a sensational soundtrack with brand-new songs by Suzan-Lori Parks alongside classics by Desmond Dekker and Toots and the Maytals, plus Jimmy Cliff hits including “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “Many Rivers to Cross.”

The creative team for the run includes Set Designer Simon Kenny (Set Designer), Jessica Cabassa (Costume Designer), Ciarán Cunningham (Lighting Designer), Tony Gayle (Live Sound Designer), Nicola T. Chang (Sound Designer – Sound Effects & Soundscape), Shelley Maxwell (Choreographer & Intimacy Director), Gino Ricardo Green (Video Designer), Ashton Moore (Vocal Arrangements and Original Musical Director), Benjamin Kwasi Burrell (Orchestrator and Music Arrangements), Heather Basten CDG (Casting Director), Claire Llewellyn for RC Annie (Fight Director), Aundrea Fudge (Voice and Dialect Coach), Emily Aboud (Original Assistant Director), Claire Nicholas (Costume Supervisor) and Creative and Cultural Consultant Justine Henzell.

Casting is to be announced.

The Harder They Come will play at the Stratford East Theatre from 16 May - 4 July 2026.

The Harder They Come Tickets