TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, the hit West End production, is currently showing at Birmingham’s Hippodrome as part of its first ever tour of the UK and Ireland.
There was something about Tina Turner.
Over the years, I’ve collected some of Tina’s records, read her autobiographies, and even had a dog that I named Tina Turner, because of her unique walk and hairdo. But although it might sound like it, I’m no Tina obsessive or expert. What I’m saying is, I’m going into this show expecting to have a good time and already knowing the story pretty well.
When I was growing up in the 80s, I was transfixed by what seemed to be a ‘crazy’ wild woman. I didn’t always like all of her later music, but I liked her. A few years later, my mom and I watched ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It?’, the 1993 biopic featuring a legendary performance from Angela Bassett in the titular role.
Having just escaped from a bad domestic situation just a year or two before, it hit us hard, both how much Tina had suffered and how much she overcame to reach such dizzy heights, growing into a strong, independent star who did things her way. My love for Tina grew; it always felt good to see her doing well. Of course, it can’t hurt that 100% of the time she looked stunning and like she was having the time of her life.
I think a lot of women (& men) around the world relate to and idolise Tina because she seems so ‘real’. She went through really good times and really bad times, but she never gave up; she overcame adversity, and how! Tina became a global superstar in her 40s and carried on performing until she was 69! She then retired with the real love of her life and got some well-deserved chillout time in. Now that’s what I call a happy ending.
The show starts by teasing us with the intro to one of Tina’s hits, and a glimpse of the star, tonight, Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy plays the adult Tina. The role will be alternated between Jochebel and Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi. Both have extensive experience with the role.
The story begins with Tina’s childhood in Nutbush, Tennessee, back when she was little Anna Mae Bullock belting out hymns in church. We soon skip to St Louis, where Anna is taken out by her sister and is soon swept up into the music scene, taken out on the road by Ike Turner. It’s not long before Anna Mae Bullock becomes Tina Turner. Pretty much everyone of any age knows the Ike and Tina Turner story, and it’s not a pretty one. But because it is so well known, in particular the domestic abuse from Ike, who is both controlling and violent towards Tina, it’s not something that could or should be glossed over. Luckily, this is deftly handled, and the abuse is portrayed in an authentic way. But by no means is this a sad or depressing show; this is a dazzling spectacle of song, dance, love, laughter and tears. The story has to show the lows for those highs to hit the way they did in reality, and they certainly do.
The music is fantastic, Tina not only had hits of her own, but she also had some great cover songs, and these are utilised to great effect throughout. You’d be wanting a refund if you didn’t hear the iconic Tina tunes, don’t worry, they’ve got them ALL, including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer, River Deep, Mountain High, and Nutbush City Limits. It is perhaps because Tina’s songs are so well known that there are ushers holding signs saying “Do not sing along”. This made me chuckle, but I’m glad they did, because I no doubt would’ve been screaming along from start to finish, which wouldn’t be fun for those sitting nearby.
The cast is phenomenal, I don’t say this lightly, they understood the brief. Be authentic, sound incredible, look fantastic, and shake that tailfeather! Jochebel embodies the spirit of Tina, the mannerisms, the way she walked and talked, and her singing, whilst very Tina-like, also had a unique edge; the audience lapped up every second she was onstage. I have to give an honourable mention to the young Tina, that kid will go far! Ike Turner, played by David King-Yombo, was brilliant, and he sounded just like Ike. As soon as he came on playing Rocket 88, I was sold.
The production set up was fairly minimal in terms of the set, but the lights, sound and visuals were impressive. It might be worth taking a pair of shades with you, we’re talking real dazzlers here! Of course, the Hippodrome is a truly beautiful venue, exactly what you want a theatre to look like, originally opened in 1899, with chandeliers still in place and everything! Overall, the effect was spot on, whether it was a club, studio, hotel or big gig, you felt like you were there.
TINA – The Tina Musical was just like Tina herself, raw, electric, magnetic and just so likeable. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just want to be entertained, this show is a must-see!
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is showing at Birmingham Hippodrome until Friday, 27th June. Grab your tickets here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/tina/
Words by Mazzy Snape Director breadbirmingham.co.uk