Tina - The Tina Turner Musical
Probably one of the most famous names in the world of music, Tina Turner was an icon with a back catalogue of some of the biggest songs of a generation, so it’s fitting a musical has been brought to the stage to share her quite incredible life. It’s been heavily documented the struggles Tina (or Anna Mae Bullock) had growing up as a child in a home where she witnessed domestic abuse between her parents, aswell as living in a violent marriage to Ike Turner, however despite all of this Tina Turner rose to stratospheric levels to become the unique and powerhouse performer she was.
Firstly, in light of the life Tina Turner endured, it’s only fitting to discuss the triggering scenes of violence that some may find very uncomfortable to watch. These particular scenes are expertly choreographed by Fight Director Kate Waters, with every slap and punch resonating in the way it should. Such powerful scenes which at times takes your breath away, but that are so important to the story and are perfectly executed to display the hurt and anger these situations bring.
Our Tina for the evening was Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy and all I can say is WOW! Jochebel really IS Tina with every movement, every dance move and every word uttered, her performance is simply the best (sorry, had to get that in somewhere!). This role is extremely demanding so it’s not hard to understand why there are two performers who alternate during this tour. Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi also shares the honour of portraying Tina Turner. Jochebel left no crumbs throughout this 2 hour 45-minute show (including interval) which is non-stop with various upbeat musical numbers, energy sapping routines and dramatic moments that made me want to have a lie down by the end!
We all know the many famous songs of Tina Turner, and this show is full of them, including Private Dancer, What’s Love Got To Do With It, Nutbush City Limits and of course Proud Mary. Choreographer Anthony van Laast has done a fantastic job bringing the one-of-a-kind dance style of Tina Turner to the stage and the whole cast do a sterling job of raising the energy throughout. Lighting from Bruno Poet elevated each upbeat classic Tina Turner number to the next level, especially the final song ‘Simply The Best’ where the stage quite literally took flight with the number of lights, however it felt right to put Tina in the biggest spotlight of all.
Playing alongside Jochebel as Ike Turner is David King-Yombo. His performance was stunning, and in true villain style you couldn’t help but hate him as he raised his hand to his wife on more than one occasion, however this is testament to how wonderful a performer David is. Even though Ike asks for forgiveness many years later, it’s too late for Tina, and these moments between the two were particularly moving.
Every aspect of this show is outstanding, from the exceptional cast, the incredible band under the musical direction of Sarah Burrell, who certainly bring the house down during the curtain call, and of course the life and legacy of Tina Turner, one of the most inspirational women in the world of rock n’ roll. So, shake a tailfeather, go in with open arms and witness simply the best musical I think I’ve seen this year!
This show was reviewed on the 18th June 2025 at the Birmingham Hippodrome where it runs until the 28th June 2025. Tickets available here: TINA – The Tina Turner Musical – Birmingham Hippodrome
Review written by Emma Rowley
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