TINA – The Tina Turner The Musical at The Theatre Royal, Nottingham

Without a shadow of a doubt, the legendary Tina Turner, who came into this world as little Anna Mae Bullock on 26th November 1939 and sadly departed these shores for the great arena in the sky on 24th May 2023, will forever go down in history as one of the mightiest rock icons of all time. Her story, from humble beginnings in Nutbush Tennessee where she suffered at the hands of extremely strict God-fearing parents, through an infamously abusive marriage to Ike and on to legendary status as undisputed Queen of Rock ‘N’ Roll is well known. This musical offering which tells her story is written by Olivier Award winning Frank Ketelaar, Kees Prins and Katori Hall, and even received the great lady’s seal of approval, for Turner herself was involved in the development of the piece. It opened at the Aldwych in the West End in 2018 and on Broadway the year after, to great critical acclaim. This is the first time the show has taken to the road here in the UK and this week it lands in Nottingham.

It is a given that stepping into the shoes of one of the most famous women in popular culture is a daunting prospect. That notwithstanding, a recent survey suggests that Tina Turner is one of the most impersonated artistes of the twentieth century, coming in second only to a certain Mr Elvis Presley (whoever he was). Our Tina this evening however, is no third rate tribute act. Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy absolutely inhabits the role of Turner, capturing her mannerisms and vocal quality to perfection whilst always avoiding caricature. She assuredly and successfully delivers the comedy in the show whilst also portraying the great anguish and huge heart of a woman who battles (sometimes quite literally) through personal trauma. This is an exquisite performance, which lands perfectly with this Nottingham audience.

David King-Yombo plays Turner’s scheming and narcissistic husband Ike, investing him with villainous levels of manipulation and devastatingly destructive anger. His onstage chemistry with MacCarthy is electric. Their scenes together are charged with edgy aggression and unresolved tensions. Their physical interactions are nothing short of shocking. Appropriately so. But shocking nonetheless. The darkness that King-Yombo’s Ike brings to each scene really enables the light to shine in MacCarthy’s Tina.

The whole ensemble here create magic, telling this true story with such high energy and verve. They are all a joy to behold. Particular kudos this evening to Letitia Hector as Tina’s awful mother Zelma (we love to hate her!) and to Sophia St-Louis as young Tina (we just love her!). St Louis shares several marvellous moments on stage with MacCarthy which are expertly performed.

The production values here are high, as you would rightly expect given the subject of the show. Mark Thompson’s sets and costumes dazzle and amaze. Those outfits! Thise wigs! To die for, all. Bruno Poet’s lighting design sets the mood to perfection and Jeff Sugg’s projections are stupendously awe inspiring, helping to create that big concert vibe just when it’s needed most. Coupled with some magical choreography by Anthony Van Laast the overwhelming impact on the audience is awe inspiring.

This story feels authentic – it’s not your average jukebox musical. The music is really involved in telling the story and feels in no way shoe-horned. It is performed magnificently by a live orchestra under the direction of Sarah Burrell. Every hit is here, including ‘Proud Mary’, ‘River Deep, Mountain High’, ‘(Simply) The Best.’ None of it feels contrived or out of place. The show works as a holistic piece. It feels very much like everyone involved is paying their own special tribute to this strong and resilient woman who overcame so much difficulty in her life to reach international stardom and success. I love it.

TINA plays at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham until 2nd August.

Age guidance 14+. Contains scenes depicting domestic violence and racist language.