***** (5 stars)
“A Glorious triumph of the human spirit”
Anna Mae Bullock born November 26th, 1939, in Brownsville Tennessee saw abuse from her earliest years from an uncaring mother and aft violent father this abuse would colour her childhood and journey into adulthood. Anna Mae was blessed with a voice that would transcend the modern musical world. That world would come to know Anna Mae Bullock as the legendary Tina Turner a woman who fought the odds and searing domestic abuse to release herself and find true love and share her vocal gifts with generations of fans.
The Tina Turner story is one of finding hope in a hopeless situation, strength, sheer human will to survive and discovering the true power of believing in oneself. Tina, The Tina Turner Musical which is produced by the late Tina Turner herself is musical which tells Tina’s life warts, and all accompanied by the songs which brought her fame and coloured her life. Its also a musical which corrects many of the “dramatic effect” changes used in the 1993 motion picture “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”. Its rare musical that pulls no punches but delivers the truth thanks to incredible performances and skilfully written book by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins.
Directed by the great Phyllida Lloyd and featuring a stellar cast this is a musical thats truly a glorious triumph of the human spirit and that’s thanks to the central performance of Jochabel Ohene MacCarthy as Tina (she alternates with Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi) McCarthy’s performance is nothing less than faultless and finely nuanced as she lives Tina’s life on stage in front of your eyes its truly beguiling to watch. The moment “Tina” discovers her inner strength to fight back is awe inspiring and touches the heart in an overwhelming way. Credit must also go to David King-Yombo who has the unenviable task of bringing “Ike Turner” to life, a clearly violent and insecure man dealing with his own demons but allows his own selfish desires to excuse his vile behaviour. Its King -Yombo’s incredible talent that allows him to turn in a performance that’s breath taking in its range, eschewing panto villain for the truth the Ike was a very flawed human being. The principals are joined by an excellent 25 strong ensemble who brings Tina’s world across the decades to life with ease. Although on the odd occasion there are couple of instances of vocals being over pushed but it doesn’t detract enough to lose a star. While there is a few vocal bubbles the company deliver Anthony Van Laast’s sublime Choreography with passion and procession in equal measure
Production wise this is a west end production on tour with Mark Thompson’s set and costume design delivering in spades as Tina’s fifty-year journey is brought vividly to life. Bruno Poet’s lighting design is faultless and the moment half a dozen mirror balls spring to life is a stroke of genius that bedecks the massive playhouse auditorium with shimmering stars. This is boosted by Jeff Sugg’s inventive and capturing projection design which adds a rich layer of depth to the overall show.
Newin Steinberg’s sound design is of the highest quality balancing the performers with musical director Sarah Burrell’s ten strong onstage bad with ease. Musically this show is everything you could want and so much more with all of Tina’s hits from Nutbush City Limits to Simply the Best being delivered in style. It’s also wonderful to see Tina’s lesser-known hits including “I don’t want to fight no more” being use in a powerful exploration of storytelling.
Phyllida Lloyd has delivered a musical that transcends the Genre and always keeps the truth of Tina Turner’s life at the centre point of the story. This musical has become the enduring legacy for the late Tina Turner and stands as testament to everything this incredible lady brought to the world.
As the curtain fell to a rousing standing ovation and the audience get there chance to sing and dance along to a mega mix its shines through that the great Tina Turner truly was Simply the Best! Wonderful stuff indeed!
Tina, The Tina Turner Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh runs until Saturday 22nd November for more information and tickets go to: TINA – The Tina Turner Musical Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG TicketsTina, The Tina Turner Musical UK Tour continues until April 2026
ScotsGay Arts 