Full cast announced for Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
Aisha Jawando as Tina Turner. Photo by Manuel Harlan
The hit production of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical will re-open at the Aldwych Theatre on 28 July 2021 following over a year of shutdown across the West End.
Joining Aisha Jawando and Jammy Kasongo as Tina and Ike are Chanel Haynes who plays the role of Tina at some performances each week, Joe Evans as Record Producer Phil Spector and Lyricist Terry Britten, Irene Myrtle Forrester as Tina’s Grandmother GG, Francesca Jackson and Alice Bailey Johnson as Ike and Tina’s manager Rhonda Graam, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky as Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, Matt Mills as Tina’s father Richard Bullock, Posi Morakinyo as Tina’s first love Raymond Hill, Garmon Rhys as Tina’s Manager Roger Davies, Joseph Richardson as record company Marketing Manager Erwin Bach and Madeline Appiah as Tina’s mother Zelma.
Ensemble members are Lori Barker and Kelly Hampson, Chris Grahamson who plays Carpenter, Paul Mukembo who plays Tina’s son Craig and Alex Okoampa who plays Tina’s son Ronnie, the Ikettes are played by Samara Casteallo, Mia Musak and Anu Ogunmefun and swings Derek Aidoo, Joshua Da Costa, Livvy Evans, Raquel Jones, DeeArna McLean, Michael Thomas, Saran Webb and Samuel J Weir.
The children’s cast comprises Tia Murrell, thirteen years old from Surrey, Rae Ann Quayle, eleven years old from Redbridge and Poppy Cunningham, ten years old from Hertfordshire share the role of Young Anna Mae; Shai Codrington, nine years old from Barnet, Sophia Anne Angiama, ten years old from Sutton and Mia Jones, eleven years old from Solihull share the role of Young Alline; Elias Agbodan George, nine years old from Havering, Remi Dabiri-McQuaid, eight years old from Hackney and Romell Barrocks-Bedeau, eleven years old from Lambeth share the role of Young Craig.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical which is based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner and produced in association with Tina Turner herself, has tickets available at all prices and is currently booking to 26 June 2022, including new Sunday performances. The critically acclaimed production received its world premiere in April 2018 in London and subsequently broke all Box Office records at the Aldwych Theatre.
Having originally played Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, Aisha Jawando who has been with the company since its world premiere in Spring 2018, will continue in the title role. Jammy Kasongo, who also was a member of original company and then played the roles of Richard and Raymond, steps up to play the role of Ike. Joining them and making her West End debut is Chanel Haynes as the alternate Tina who will perform the iconic role of Tina at certain performances.
This new musical reveals a comeback story like no other, of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sexism and ageism to become the global Queen of Rock n’ Roll. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is a celebration of resilience and an inspiration of triumph over adversity.
Grab your tickets to see the must-see West End musical, now.
Young Lyric Associates appointed at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is delighted to welcome the venue’s Young Lyric Associates who will form a new youth advisory group to advise, influence, advocate and contribute to the theatre.
The 10 Young Lyric Associates are all from West London and are aged 16 – 25. They are: Ömer Cem Coltu, Madeline Charlemagne, Elle Davies, Connor Guffogg, Harri-Rose Hudson, Ra’eesah Kai, Mo Korede, Amy Rushent, Jo Strafford and Louise Valente.
The associates will meet twice-monthly over the next year contributing to several areas of interest that were identified following a consultation with the Lyric’s young people in 2020. This will include the programming of Young Lyric classes across the year; the atmosphere and environment of the Reuben Foundation Wing which was built in 2015 and is home to the Lyric studio spaces and cinema; and the artistic input of the Lyric by working with closely with Liz Daramola, Lyric Literary Associate to explore potential programming whilst developing their dramaturgical skill set.
Rob Lehmann, Director of Young Lyric, said: “We’re thrilled to appoint our Young Lyric Associates who will play an influential role at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. All of them live in our community and represent the diversity and spirit of West London. They are the future leaders of our industry and ambassadors for our local community. This initiative provides young people the agency to influence areas of the Lyric that matter to them whilst also offering opportunities to develop their leadership skills, dramaturgy and gain further experience alongside leading industry professionals. We look forward to this creative partnership with the Young Lyric Associates over the next year.”
Charlie Kristensen of #CheerUpCharlie wins prestigious award in memory of Princess Diana
Charlie Kristensen (Photo credit: Paul Nicholas Dyke Photography)
Charlie Kristensen, 11, from Wokingham has been recognised with the highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts – The Diana Award. He is honoured with the award for going above and beyond in his daily life to create and sustain positive change.
Charlie won over the hearts of the West End theatre industry and the British public last year when he launched his #CheerUpCharlie campaign, channelling his own traumatic experiences of being bullied, and the support he received afterwards, to help others. Charlie took a step towards his dream of being a television presenter by launching a series of lockdown interviews with high-profile entertainment industry guests on his YouTube channel – Musical Chairs with #CheerUpCharlie!
Check out his interview with Emma De Souza, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Society of London Theatre (the not-for-profit that runs Official London Theatre) below:
Dame Judi Dench invites all to celebrate the ‘musical spectacular of the year’ at the Royal Albert Hall
The Alpha Family are incredibly excited to announce that they will have the honour of being the first West End production on the opening week of the iconic Royal Albert Hall. This will be Alpha’s third “Best of the West End” show, following their previous sell-outs at the Hall over the last three years.
Alpha’s Creative Director, and West End superstar, Ben Forster has assembled an Olivier Award-winning production team including choreographer Stephen Mear CBE, Lighting Designer Tim Lutkin and West End Musical Director Dr. Stuart Morley – putting this historic opening night in the hands of musical theatre royalty.
In line with Alpha’s philanthropic ethos and love for the arts, they are extremely proud to confirm that £5 from every ticket sold, together with all profits made, will be donated to Acting for Others. As seen by the closure of all venues, including the exquisite Royal Albert Hall, the arts have been particularly hit hard by the pandemic. As a prolific supporter of the West End, the Alpha Family are thrilled to champion a cause so close to their hearts.
Dame Judi Dench, President, Acting for Others said: “We are incredibly grateful to be the chosen charity for Alpha’s The Best Of The West End at The Royal Albert Hall. Thank you to the wonderful creative team, Alpha Solutions and this spectacular cast. We hope you enjoy this special event and can join us in celebrating the reopening of this iconic venue in its 150th year.”
The incredible line up of West End favourites new and old, include Ruthie Henshall, Ben Forster, Mica Paris, Layton Williams, John Owen-Jones, Matt Henry MBE, Sophie Evans and the Alpha Ambassadors of Arts, Lauren Samuels and mezzo-soprano Friederike Krum.
This year’s The Voice contestant Matthew Croke, known for his title role in Disney’s Aladdin will be performing some West End classics, whilst all-powerful, female supergroup WOMAN will perform their charity single “I’m A Woman”.
Supported by the superb MX Masterclass Choir and an incredibly talented orchestra, this vibrant West End performance will cover the breadth of musical theatre from classic hits to ground-breaking new musicals including: Chicago, Wicked, West Side Story, 42nd Street, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Mis, Sister Act and many more!