Looking for simply the best? Then Tina – The Tina Turner Musical should be next on your theatre-going list. But before you find out exactly what love has to do with it, here’s everything you need to know about the show that’s sweeping the West End.
THE BACKSTORY
River deep, mountain high. When you’ve lived a life full of the highest highs and the lowest lows, the compulsion to tell your story to the fullest is undeniable. Tina thought she had done that. But despite having released an autobiography – I, Tina – in 1986 and being the topic of an Angela Bassett biopic called What’s Love Got To Do With It in 1993, people wanted more. And Tina found there was much more to tell.
Tina laid the groundwork to write a musical which would for on the first half of her life, up until she signed a record deal that would not just change her life, but the industry forever.
A team of creatives were assembled including internationally renowned Phyllida Lloyd and Olivier Award-winning writer Katori Hall. Katori didn’t grow up in Nutbush – the now famous town that Anna Mae Bullock (aka Tina Turner) was born – but she did live close by. Her life in Memphis fueled her imagination and made her the ideal person to help convey the hardships Tina went through, both socially and intimately. Katori, along with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, wrote the true story of a woman who started with nothing and went on to rule the world, weaving in the hit songs Tina is known and loved for.
After three years of hard work, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical made its world premiere at the Aldwych Theatre in March 2018.
WHAT’S Tina – The Tina Turner Musical ABOUT?
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is based on the life and music of the queen of rock ‘n’ roll, Tina Turner. Starting from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, the show follows Tina’s life from the moment her parents abandoned her to the moment she defied the odds and took over the world.
We see the talented but impressionable Anna Mae Bullock meet the self-proclaimed king of rock ‘n’ roll, Ike Turner, who falls in love with her voice and takes her on tour. But chart-topping records and a packed gig schedule doesn’t always lead to money and success.
Following the birth of her two sons, Anna Mae – now known as Tina – must make some choices which could make or break her. But with prejudice against her age, gender and race, she must make them see what they’re truly missing.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is recommended for audiences aged 12 and over. Parental discretion is advised due to adult content and language.
HOW LONG IS Tina – The Tina Turner Musical?
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is 2 hours and 45 minutes including one interval. Performances are normally at 7.30pm Monday to Saturday, with matinee performances at 2.30pm on Thursday and Saturday.
WHERE IS THE SHOW PLAYING IN LONDON?
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is currently playing at Aldwych Theatre. The nearest stations to the show are Covent Garden (500m) or Holborn (650m) or Charing Cross (800m). You can also get to the Aldwych Theatre via overground train to London Charing Cross (800m).
WILL Tina – The Tina Turner Musical BE TOURING?
There are currently no touring dates planned for Tina – The Tina Turner Musical. In fact, the only place you can see it in the whole world is Aldwych Theatre.
WHO IS IN THE Tina – The Tina Turner Musical LONDON CAST?
In addition to the incredible cast of adult performers, there are nine extraordinary child actors playing Young Alline, Young Anna Mae and Young Craig.
Tina Turner is played by Adrienne Warren. Adrienne is fast becoming a known name (and voice) in theatreland. Prior to making her West End debut in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, she was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in Shuffle Along on Broadway. She also originated the role of Danielle in the Tony-nominated Bring It On The Musical and appeared in Dreamgirls.
Ike Turner is played by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith. Kobna’s last stage appearance was in Hamlet alongside Benedict Cumberbatch. His other work includes Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Edward II, Antigone, And Death And The King’s Horseman.
Zelma Bullock is played by Madeline Appiah. Madeline recently starred alongside Andrew Scott in Hamlet at Almeida and The Harold Pinter Theatre. Other theatre credits include Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Here We Go Again.
Alternate Tina is played by Jenny Fitzpatrick. Each week, Jenny will play the lead, Tina. Jenny is a prolific actress and has starred in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Henry IV Part 1, and Rent to name but a few.
GG, Tina’s Grandmother is played by Lorna Gayle. You’ll probably recognise Lorna’s face. She can be spotted in films and TV shows as well as theatre. From Eastenders to Torchwood, Run Fat Boy Run to The Dark Knight, she’s been acted in all matter of genres. Her theatre credits include Guys And Dolls, Nation, The Crucible, and Sugar Mummies.
Phil Spector/Terry Britten are played by Tom Godwin. Tom is a stage and screen actor who has appeared in About Time, Alice Through The Looking Glass and The Danish Girl. His theatre credits include The Woman In Black and Skylight.
Rhonda Graam is played by Francesca Jackson. Though Francesca has been performing from a young age, she rose to fame after appearing in the TV reality show, I’d Do Anything. Since, she’s appeared in Talking Can’t Smile Without You, Million Dollar Quartet, and Dreamboat And Petticoats.
Alline Bullock is played by Aisha Jawando. Aisha has travelled the world to perform. Her credits include Cinderella, Legally Blonde, The Life, Motown, Beautiful, Book Of Mormon, and The Lion King.
Richard Bullock/Raymond Hill are played by Natey Jones. Natey has starred in One Love: The Bob Marley Musical, Dr Faustus, Don Quixote, The Alchemist, and Romeo And Juliet.
Erwin Bach is played by Gerard McCarthy. Gerard trained to be an actor thanks to receiving the Kenneth Brannah’s Renaissance Scholarship. His credits include Legally Blonde, The Play!!!, It’s A Wonderful Life and Beautiful Thing. His TV credits include The Fall, Call The Midwife and Vikings.
Roger Davies is played by Ryan O’Donnell. Ryan’s theatre credits include Sunny Afternoon, Quadrophenia, Romeo And Juliet, and Frankenstein.
WILL I LIKE IT?
It’s an amazing story that offers hope and courage to all that watch it. Couple her incredible story with her breathtaking songs and you are onto a winner. It’s an absolute must for any fan of her, her music, or even just her biggest hits. And for anyone who’s not familiar, it’s an education on a living legend. So in short, yes. Yes, you will like it.
WHERE CAN I BUY TICKETS TO Tina – The Tina Turner Musical?
Right here with us! Just visit Official London Theatre’s Tina – The Tina Turner Musical page to find the best available tickets for great prices.