West End optimism has been given another boost this week. Producers have announced return dates for one of the West End’s most exuberant and joyful musicals and it’s cantered around the life and music of Tina Turner.
I was completely blown away by it when I reviewed it and happily discovered that it’s way better than other shows that have attempted to use well known hits to tell an artist’s life story. The producers have engaged a first class creative team and the result is a musical that not only celebrates stadium rock star Tina Turner with stunning recreations of her act but also gives us a fascinating insight into how she overcame all obstacles to achieve chart success, not just once but over a series of comebacks.
It’s a story that more than justifies Turner’s Rock-Goddess status and you can enjoy this West End tribute to her exuberance and passion again from Thursday June 3rd.
What's the TINA TURNER MUSICAL story?
Discover Tina Turner's origins as Anna Mae Bullock in the gospel community of Nutbush Tennessee, where she's brought up by grandmother. Breaking out of small town life she attracts the attention of the handsome but ill-tempered lead singer, Ike Turner. He renames her Tina and their stormy passion fuels much of the show.
The lovers become husband and wife, then demanding manager and exploited client, and finally, rival recording artists. It's a relationship that drives Ike to violence and Tina to the brink of suicide. Despite this unhappy marriage and failing career she encounters a series of lovers and managers who help her shake off Ike’s influence and aid her re-emergence as a global superstar.
Music and well-known songs in TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
Highlights from five decades of Tina Turner’s recording career are represented in the musical including "Proud Mary", "What’s Love Got to Do With It", "Don't Turn Around" "Let's Stay Together" "River Deep Mountain High" "I Can't Stand the Rain" "We Don't Need Another Hero" and "The Best".
Who are the stars and creative team of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
The forthcoming London production is headed by Aisha Jawando as Tina Turner, exuding leading lady status with a soaring singing voice and considerable acting ability.
Her previous theatre credits include Cinderella in CINDERELLA (Hackney Empire), Pilar in LEGALLY BLONDE (Monaco), Carmen in THE LIFE (Southwark Playhouse), Martha Reeve in the Original London Cast of MOTOWN (Shaftesbury Theatre), Original London Cast of BEAUTIFUL (Aldwych Theatre), BOOK OF MORMON (Prince of Wales), Original London cast of FELA! (National Theatre), THE LION KING (Lyceum theatre) and Ikette in SOUL SISTER (Savoy/ UK tour).
The cast will also feature Joe Evans as Phil Spector and Terry Britten, Irene Myrtle Forrester as Grandmother GG, Francesca Jackson as Rhonda Graam, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky as Alline Bullock, Matt Mills as Richard Bullock, Posi Morakinyo as Raymond Hill, and Lucy Vardi as Zelma.
The top-notch creative team is led by MAMMA MIA director Phyllida Lloyd. The show is written by West End newcomers Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins but they’re aided in bringing the story to life by experienced London Theatre regulars. Choreography is by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision is by Nicholas Skilbeck and lighting by Bruno Poet, all of whom have a impressive musical theatre pedigree.
What do LONDON BOX OFFICE customers say about TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL ?
"Loved everything about the show!", "Simply the best", "I could easily go and see the show again!", "An absolute must see" are just a few of our customers reviews for THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
Where and when can I see TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL?
TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL will return to the Aldwych Theatre from 3 June 2021.
Who is THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL for?
There are times when the show shimmers with Turners strutting, on-stage, sexuality and there are themes of domestic abuse and suicide, so this is a show for an adult audience, from older teenagers upwards.
Where is the TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL theatre?
The Aldwych Theatre is a traditional Edwardian venue with seating on three levels: Orchestra Stalls, Dress Circle, Grand Circle.
It's located on the corner of The Aldwych and Drury Lane. Aldwych, London, WC2B 4D
The nearest stations are Charing Cross, Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines), Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)
Buses: 1, 4, 11, 13, 15, 68, 98 pass the theatre.
Is there a dress code for THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL?
No, dress comfortably and as you would for any public space.
Quick facts about TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
- Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards to date, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986.
- The original cast of TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL starred Adrienne Warren as Tina, chosen by Turner herself.
- In 2019 Warren reprised this role in the Broadway production, for which she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in 2020.
The boys are back in town! One of the most popular West End and Broadway musicals of recent years,