The Harder They Come
On Tuesday night, Stratford East pulsed with the irresistible rhythms of reggae as The Harder They Come stormed back onto the stage, a production that felt both deeply rooted in its Jamaican origins and bracingly alive for 2025. The theatre has a knack for reviving cult classics with flair, and this one was no exception – it was a vibrant, defiant, and altogether joyous evening that had the audience swaying in their seats.
Based on Perry Henzell’s 1972 film, the story follows Ivan, a country boy who comes to Kingston with dreams of fame and fortune, only to find himself exploited by the music industry, rejected by polite society and pulled into a world of crime. It’s a tale of ambition, injustice and rebellion that feels surprisingly timeless, especially in today’s climate of gig economy struggles and industry gatekeeping.
Director Matthew Xia’s staging is bold, colourful and slightly rough around the edges – exactly as it should be. The set, with its makeshift corrugated tin backdrops, painted shutters and neon signage, evokes a Kingston that is buzzing and chaotic, a place where hope and danger rub shoulders. Scene changes are slickly choreographed and often punctuated by live music, giving the whole show a seamless, party-like flow.
The music, of course, is the heart of The Harder They Come, and this production delivers in spades. Classics like “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, “Pressure Drop” and the iconic title song are performed with electrifying energy by a live onstage band that never misses a beat. The arrangements keep faith with the original soundtrack but inject just enough freshness to make them feel new. The audience clearly recognised and loved each opening riff, and by the finale many were singing along under their breath.
Leading man Natey Jones gives a magnetic performance as Ivan, balancing swagger with vulnerability. His voice soars through the numbers and his charisma keeps the audience on his side, even as Ivan’s choices turn darker. There’s also standout work from Madeline Charlemagne as Elsa, whose rich vocals and emotional presence add real weight to Ivan’s doomed love story. The supporting cast double as musicians and ensemble players, and their camaraderie radiates from the stage – you can feel that they are having as much fun as we are.
If there’s a minor criticism, it’s that the second act loses a little momentum as Ivan’s downfall gathers pace; some of the scenes are almost too faithful to the film’s episodic structure. A tighter edit might have kept the energy fully charged until the last note.
That said, this is a thrilling and life-affirming show that celebrates reggae’s political power as much as its infectious rhythms. Stratford East has created a production that feels like both a gig and a piece of protest theatre – one that honours its source material while speaking clearly to a new generation.
This show was reviewed on the 23rd September 2025 at Stratford East Theatre, London where it runs until the 1st November 2025. Tickets available here: The Harder They Come
Review written by Mike Stocks
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.