TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL: A Triumphant Tour De Force Hits the Road

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the lights dim, the music swells, and a spotlight illuminates the stage for the first time. That magic is about to intensify for theatre lovers throughout the UK and Ireland, as TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL launches its first-ever regional tour. From Leicester to Leeds, this unstoppable jukebox sensation promises to bring the whirlwind life story of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll to fans who’ve been humming along to Proud Mary, What’s Love Got to Do with It? and so many other classics for decades. With a freshly announced cast led by Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi and Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy as the incomparable Tina Turner, the production looks set to shine a spotlight on a narrative as uplifting as the performer’s beloved hits.

A Rock Legend’s Journey Comes Alive

For those unfamiliar with her background, Tina Turner didn’t simply stroll onto the world stage as the legendary icon we now celebrate. She was once Anna Mae Bullock, a young girl from Nutbush, Tennessee, whose dreams of stardom were overshadowed by familial strife and the realities of small-town life. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL lays out that very journey, chronicling the hardships, breakthroughs, and exhilarating triumphs of a woman whose influence on rock, pop, and R&B remains profound.

Staged under the direction of Phyllida Lloyd, with a book by Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, the musical blends electrifying performances with a carefully woven narrative that does justice to Tina Turner’s unique legacy. So, even as audiences tap their feet and sway to the rhythms of River Deep – Mountain High or The Best, they’ll also be immersed in the emotional depths of a story that touches upon universal themes: resilience, hope, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Casting the Icon

Arguably, the core challenge in any Tina Turner biopic or stage show lies in finding someone who can capture her raw vocal fire, commanding stage presence, and indefatigable energy. In this new touring production, the mantle passes between Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi and Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy, both of whom will share the lead role. Between them, they promise the authentic blend of rock-star power, vulnerability, and grit that defined Turner’s career.

Adding another level of intensity is David King-Yombo as Ike Turner—a figure essential to Tina’s rise to stardom, yet also responsible for some of her life’s darkest chapters. Their complex relationship is central to the musical’s story arc, compelling audiences to grapple with the challenging realities Tina faced as she fought to build her own identity.

Beyond the leading stars, there’s a dynamic cast featuring Martin Allanson as Phil Spector, William Beckerleg as Erwin Bach (Tina’s real-life partner and later husband), Rushand Chambers as Richard Bullock (Tina’s father), Claude East as her grandmother Gran Georgeanna, Isaac Elder as Roger Davies (Tina’s manager), Georgia Gillam as sister Alline Bullock, Letitia Hector as her mother Zelma, Kyle Richardson as Raymond Hill (Tina’s first love), and Gemma Suttonas Rhonda Graam (Ike and Tina’s manager). Each performer steps in to portray the family, friends, and industry figures who shaped Tina’s remarkable journey.

Singing From the Heart

No jukebox musical can thrive without a strong, show-stopping catalogue, and TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL has exactly that. Audiences can expect to hear classic anthems like Proud Mary, performed with all the verve and sass that once set global charts alight. Then there’s Private Dancer, a tune that epitomises Tina Turner’s post-Ike revival in the early 1980s, as well as What’s Love Got to Do with It?, the track that propelled her to superstardom on her own terms.

Yet, the musical isn’t content to simply rehash the greatest hits. It smartly places each song within the broader emotional landscape of Tina Turner’s life. When the cast belts out Nutbush City Limits, the audience is already rooted in the specifics of her upbringing. The result is a seamless fusion of music and storytelling—one that resonates deeply because it captures both the universal appeal of her hits and the very personal struggles behind them.

Behind the Scenes of a Blockbuster

At the helm of this massive production is an award-winning creative team. Anthony van Laast takes charge of choreography, ensuring that each musical number is not just performed, but lived out by the actors in a way that echoes Tina Turner’s famously electrifying stage presence. Meanwhile, Mark Thompson’s set and costume designs build upon the show’s cinematic flair, taking us from humble Nutbush landscapes to glossy recording studios and glittering concert arenas.

On the musical front, Nicholas Skilbeck provides expert guidance as Musical Supervisor, while Bruno Poet’s lighting design and Nevin Steinberg’s sound design bring the show to life through visual and sonic tapestry. With Jeff Sugghandling projection design, the production embraces modern technology to enhance immersion—offering glimpses of archival imagery that situate the story in its rightful time and place. Orchestrations come courtesy of Ethan Popp, ensuring these timeless tracks remain as stirring as ever.

Add to this the meticulous wig, hair, and makeup designs of Campbell Young Associates, who’ve taken on the herculean task of bringing Tina Turner’s instantly recognisable style to each performance. Casting was overseen by Pippa Ailionand Natalie Gallacher, whose job it was to assemble a cast that could handle big vocals, challenging choreography, and the emotional demands of a drama that’s every bit as intense as the music itself. And if you pay close attention to certain pivotal scenes, you’ll notice the careful work of fight director Kate Waters, ensuring the show’s more confrontational moments are both safe and believable.

A Tour Worth Catching

From 6 to 22 March 2025, the production sets up shop at Leicester’s Curve—an apt choice, given the theatre’s growing reputation for hosting top-tier musicals. After that, it’s a whirlwind journey through Sunderland, Bristol, Belfast, Dublin, Birmingham, Plymouth, Nottingham, Liverpool, Southend, Sheffield, Glasgow, Southampton, Canterbury, Edinburgh, Manchester, Norwich, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Newcastle, and Leeds.

Manchester in particular will see an extended winter season into 2026, underscoring the city’s love affair with big, brassy musicals and the show’s proven ability to captivate large audiences. For those who can’t make it to any of the touring stops, fear not: TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL also continues in London’s West End, where it has become the longest-running show in the history of the Aldwych Theatre.

A Universal Story of Resilience

While die-hard Tina Turner fans can rattle off chart positions and awards, the musical also appeals to anyone who appreciates stories of unwavering determination. Tina Turner’s journey was never just about music; it was also about navigating a challenging childhood, surmounting the trials of abusive relationships, and eventually staking a claim on international stardom at a time when female rock stars were still a rarity.

It’s this theme of perseverance against all odds that makes TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL so universally appealing. Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or someone simply curious about the woman behind the megahits, you’ll find a narrative grounded in real, human struggles and triumphs. It’s one thing to witness her show-stopping performances on YouTube; it’s quite another to see her life re-enacted on stage, where the immediacy of theatre heightens every emotion.

In recent years, jukebox musicals have become a staple of the theatre scene, igniting debates about whether they’re an authentic form of storytelling or a nostalgic rehash of greatest hits. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL provides a strong case for the former: by threading a compelling narrative through the iconic songs of a trailblazing artist, the production highlights how music can serve as both a reflection of personal experiences and a catalyst for transformation.

Jukebox musicals also offer a gateway for audiences who might not typically seek out traditional theatre. Maybe someone who fell in love with The Best on the radio decades ago has never set foot in a West End venue. Perhaps a younger fan discovered Tina Turner’s performances through social media clips and is eager to learn more. By weaving these globally recognisable tunes into a rich storyline, the musical can draw in newcomers and longtime supporters alike.

A Global Phenomenon

Following successful runs on Broadway, in Hamburg, and in the Netherlands, this touring production marks another milestone in TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL’s international journey. With Tina Turner’s fan base extending far beyond the United States and the UK, it’s no surprise that the show has found enthusiastic audiences around the world. Each new territory offers a chance for more people to connect with her indomitable spirit.

Should the production ever head down under, it could join the ranks of acclaimed shows that have graced Australia’s thriving theatre scene—further solidifying its global impact and delivering a fresh wave of interest from new audiences. While there are no confirmed Australian dates at the moment, the musical’s proven worldwide popularity makes it a prime candidate for future international tours.

The Heart of the Show

At its core, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL invites audiences to witness the metamorphosis of a shy, small-town girl into the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. It’s a transformation that required monumental courage, relentless self-belief, and a love for music so powerful it overcame seemingly insurmountable odds. This production doesn’t shy away from the difficult truths of Tina Turner’s life; instead, it honours them, underscoring how each setback sparked her determination to keep pushing forward.

Anyone who’s watched Tina Turner perform knows there’s a magical spark to her presence—an aura of joy and liberation that echoes from every stage she’s graced. The musical captures that intangible quality, celebrating the woman behind the microphone as much as the hits themselves.

A Note of Celebration

If Tina Turner’s story teaches us anything, it’s that hope can be found even in the darkest of circumstances, and that dreams deferred needn’t be dreams denied. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is more than a foot-stomping showcase of rock anthems; it’s a testament to the resilience that carried one woman from obscurity to global superstardom.

So whether you’re planning to catch the show in Leicester, Manchester, or at any of the many tour stops in between, be prepared for a night of exhilarating music, heartfelt performances, and a renewed appreciation for the magic that theatre can offer. By the time the final curtain falls, you’ll likely be on your feet, dancing along to Proud Mary and reminded of why Tina Turner is not just a rock legend, but an enduring symbol of triumph and hope.

After all, that’s the true essence of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL: it refuses to let you leave the theatre feeling anything less than energised, inspired, and fully aware that every underdog has a chance to rise again—often with a spectacular soundtrack in tow.