_PNG.png)
Last weekend, (20/1/24) I headed into London to see the matinee performance of ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’ we used the TodayTix Rush Tickets to buy the seats on the day and we were so glad that we had chosen ‘Tina’
As someone who has pretty much grown up around Tina Turner’s music, this show was an exciting one for me as I didn’t know much about the life of the legend behind the music.
The seats we were in were row AZ (the very front!) and for a show like ‘Tina’ this gives you the most intimate experience of the show that you could imagine.
The show’s current cast is filled to the brim with highly talented and passionate performers who bring the show to a whole other level of fantastic.
The role of ‘Tina Turner’ on this particular performance was played by Karis Anderson, who alternated the role with Elesha Paul Moses. Karis’ portrayal of ‘Tina’ stayed so true and honest the entire way through the performance and not once did she stray from it. The character goes through thick and thin on that stage - and Anderson has the talent that makes the audience feel those feelings too! Not to mention her outstanding vocals, with not only a great likeness to the legend herself, but a gorgeous tone that consistently held, singing the songs we all know and love from ‘What’s Love Got to Do with it’ to ‘Proud Mary’.
‘Ike Turner’ is played by Earl Gregory. You know a performer has done a fantastic job at being a not so likeable character when the audience are practically scowling at them every time they walk on stage. Gregory also brings some smooth and lovely vocals to the stage.
Other standout performances came from: Shaniyah Abrahams, who plays Young Anna Mae. Abrahams brought a fiery and fun character to the stage and delivers an energy filled, excellent performance accompanied by a big beaming smile!
And finally, Emma Hatton who plays ‘Rhonda Graam’ (Tina’s Manager) and brings great levels of feeling to her character - every moment is well thought out and is a beautiful portrayal.
The ‘Tina’ ensemble are just amazing! Nothing short of that! They keep the energy of the show high, the vocals strong, and the show would not be what it is without them! Each member of the cast shows a big personality throughout the show whilst performing some of the most iconic songs from Tina’s life.
Choreography by Anthony Vaan Last is both fitting, and also true to Tina’s original choreography - accompanied by Mark Thompson’s beautifully designed set and costumes fill in the gaps, making this amazing show even better.
Through the show there is also elements of video projection - designed by Jeff Sugg which once again enhance the audience experience.
‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’ is a must-see for all fans of Tina Turner’s music. Every song is a recognisable banger from her fantastic music-industry-changing career and you get to see the heartbreaking and true story of how Tina became the sensation she was.
The show is currently playing at the Aldwych Theatre in the West End and tickets can be found at https://tinathemusical.com/uk/
I really do recommend this production - so go and see it if you can!
It’s ‘Simply the best!’
23rd January 2024
Robbie Davies | Robbie’s Backstage Bants