Tina Turner

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Credit: Johan Persson

Having broken box office records whilst becoming the longest running show at London’s Aldwych theatre, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical arrives at Manchester’s Palace Theatre this month for a six-week run as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour.

While it would officially fall into the ‘jukebox’ musical category, this gritty, global smash-hit feels anything but a Tina tribute. Telling the fascinating story of the iconic superstar, Tina Turner, this entertaining production is an in-depth biopic of a truly inspirational performer.

The production doesn’t shy away from the often-heartbreaking reality of Tina’s backstory, its unflinching and hard-hitting in its brutal honesty, particularly surrounding the violence Tina endured at the hands of ex-husband Ike Turner. Amidst the struggles however emerges a resilient, unstoppable superstar who is portrayed sublimely by Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy at tonight’s performance. She impressively channels Tina’s strength, determination and stage presence perfectly, her powerhouse vocals are nothing short or remarkable. This is a real masterclass in musical theatre. Her connection with David King-Yombo is superb, together they bring the characters and their strained relationship to vivid life with King-Yombo successfully navigating the complexity of Ike with impressive nuance.

Phyllida Lloyd directs this cast with consistency, from Sophia St Louis as young Tina to Alline Bullcok as Tina’s Mum, this is a West-End worthy cast who commit entirely to delivering Tina’s story with the emotional depth it deserves. While the storytelling is clear, Act 2 comes to a swift and less detailed conclusion making the ending feel a little unexpected in comparison with the intricate storytelling seen in Act 1, however from the very first note to the sensational finale this show will thrill audiences this festive season.

Mark Thomspon’s minimalist set design is lifted by Jeff Sugg’s projections and Bruno Poet’s lighting, making the overall visuals satisfying rather than impressive, while Thomspon’s costume design demonstrates an incredible attention to detail. Anthony van Laast’s exhilarating chorography gifts audiences with the iconic Tina moves they know and love while Campbell Young Associates hair, wigs and make up design ramps up the authenticity of this piece.

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical successfully does justice to the inspirational woman at the heart of the story. Inspiring and entertaining this is a story of true heart, incredible resilience and above all immense talent.

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Saturday 3rd January 2026, tickets available here.

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The award-winning producers who brought audiences the hugely popular Whitney – Queen Of The Night have joined forces once again with incredible vocalist Elesha Paul Moses to celebrate another iconic performer this time Tina Turner in sensational new show What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Strutting on stage in glitzy gold sequins, supported by backing singers/dancers and an impressive showband, Elesha bursts into a note-perfect performance of Steamy Windows immediately taking the atmosphere up a notch she’s greeted by whoops of appreciation from the keen audience. She sounds incredibly like Tina Turner and has the legendary stars iconic moves down to a tee. This Liverpool audience needs no encouragement to let their hair down and from the off let Elesha & Co know they are here to party.

The classics continue as we shift effortlessly into Private Dancer before Elesha takes us back to 1983 with a smooth rendition of Let’s Stay Together which the audience delight in singing along to.

Elesha’s unstoppable energy shows no sign of slowing as she belts out Wilson Pickett’s Land of 1000 Dances and In The Midnight Hour complete with Tina’s trademark swagger and jerky leg kicks.

A swift costume change takes us to the Mad Max era where sequins have been replaced by post-apocalyptic silver and Tina’s tussles become a sleek cropped wig. A dramatic delivery of We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) takes us into the interval leaving the audience’s appetites suitably wetted.

Part 2 opens with a sultry version of I Can’t Stand The Rain delivered in perfect harmony by Elesha and her backing singers, each sat on high stools swathed with crimson light complete with a superb saxophone solo.

The tempo is ramped up again with a powerful performance of Addicted To Love followed by a high-energy Rolling Stones medley of Jumpin’ Jack Flash and It’s Only Rock’n’Roll (But I Like It).

As the lights dim the first bars of Golden Eye strike up; the backing dancers enter dressed in flamboyant Vegas showgirl style costumes as Elesha joins them for a powerful rendition of the classic Bond Theme, her vocals soaring through every inch of the Liverpool Empire’s expansive space.

What’s Love Got To Do With It is greeted by huge appreciation from the audience while When The Heartache Is Over almost becomes the anthem of the night as people leap up from their seats to sing in solidarity with each other.

The fizzing energy from the audience is rewarded with a quick costume change into an iconic Tina style red beaded number; a clear indication that party time has arrived. The hits come thick and fast in this final part of the show whipping the audience into a Tina induced frenzy, River Deep Mountain High ensures every bum if off its seat and wiggling away in time to the music. Simply The Best sends the atmosphere soaring followed by a knock-out performance of Nutbush City Limits which leads into the infectiously brilliant Proud Mary leaving the audience on a massively feel-good high.

What’s Love Got To Do With It? is an enormously entertaining night out, Elesha Paul Moses is a true talent and this upbeat celebration of the iconic Tina Turner will leave you without any doubt that she is simply the best, top-class entertainment!

Further information and tour dates can be found here.

 

 

Preview | What’s Love Got To Do With It

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Tina Turner the Musical might currently be wowing West End audiences, but north west fans of the iconic soul singer can look forward to a chance to see a stage celebration of her greatest hits a little closer to home in early 2019.

What’s Love Got To Do With It is a new tribute show embarking on a massive UK tour next year – featuring all the hits fans of Tina Turner would expect.

Audiences can look forward to hearing stunning musical arrangements of Tina Turner’s most-loved classic hits including Private Dancer, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Proud Mary, River Deep, Nutbush City Limits, Simply The Best and many more.

Bringing to the stage Tina Turner’s famous high energy performances and incredible vocals will be Elesha Paul Moses (Whitney – Queen Of The Night, The Voice, X Factor) supported by a full 10-piece live band.

Speaking about playing Tina Turner, Elesha said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be touring the UK with What’s Love Got To Do With It? This is going to be a magnificent show and one that truly celebrates the incredible music and career of Tina Turner.

“Tina is a great persona to emulate on stage. I have performed as her many times over the years so to now be the lead in a show that will travel all over the UK and celebrate everything about her is an amazing opportunity and one I’m really looking forward to.”

The show comes to the Liverpool Empire on Tuesday 19th February, at the start of a massive 50 date tour.

Other north west dates in the tour include Blackpool Opera House on Saturday 20th July, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Friday 20th September and Warrington’s Parr Hall on Friday 13th March.

What’s Love Got To Do With It is presented by leading live entertainment promoters Cuffe & Taylor, and Paul Roberts Productions.

For more information visit www.cuffeandtaylor.com.