You may not recognise the name Anna Mae Bullock, but everyone knows Tina. Undoubtedly one of the most remarkable journeys to success is music history, the phenomenal life of Tina Turner remains a legacy to celebrate. Burning with passion, even from her beginnings in smalltown Nutbush, Tennessee, her fire could not be contained as she always craved a bigger stage. A transformative life-story presents the constant mirage of troubles thrown her way, but Tina refuses to stop fighting for a better life against all adversity. Winning 12 Grammy Awards, holding the Guinness World Record for the highest attendance at a ticketed concert by a female artist (at 180,000, no less), and was still performing at 69 with the same vigour of her youth, this is the account of an icon. With the trailblazer herself working on the development of the hugely acclaimed West End and Broadway productions of Tina, maintaining these roots when transferring to tour is crucial. Although previously been seen across North America, and now playing again across the pond, this is the first that UK regional venues get the dazzling experience.
The inspiring tale follows Tina from childhood to stardom, starting with the little spark (played by Chizaram Ochuba-Okafor for this performance) merely being the loudest in the church choir. A divisive household forces her away from her sister, Alline Bullock (Georgia Gillam), and a subsequent escape into the wider world encouraged by her beloved grandmother (Claude East) caused Tina's musical talent to be a driving force to break any boundaries that cross her path. However, her ambitious yet trusting nature landed a connection with Ike Turner - a significant industry name but a violent abuser fuelled by sex and substances. Years of endurance in the presence of this difficult character (commendably played by David King-Yombo, especially given the volatility) tested Tina's resilience to unfathomable depths, though gaining her two beautiful boys whom she adored.
If you closed your eyes and imagined yourself listening to the distinctness of Tina Turner herself, the vocals that Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy impressively provides will be one of the closest matches you'll ever hear. As one of the most demanding lead roles in the industry, it takes immense skill to maintain such phenomenal composure through a thoroughly emotionally charged and all-consuming part. Also being a biographical show, the additional expectation for an accurate depiction across the performance is certainly critical. Jochebel embodies every moment, putting a rich mixture of pure joy, desperate heartache, fearfulness, defeat and sheer determination into the rollercoaster on offer.
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, the staging doesn't feel at all compromised by the venue. It has always been a piece to build on the presence of the people rather than the set which really draws on the narrative to encapsulate audiences. Alongside award-winning writer, Katori Hall, with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, the script incorporates a deep vision of Tina's complex life without lacking momentum. Woven together by captivating renditions of her hits - including 'The Best', 'What’s Love Got To Do With It?', 'Private Dancer' and 'River Deep, Mountain High'- these are often accompanied by Anthony van Laast's energetic choreography and sparkly costume designs by Mark Thompson that create a stark contrast between the showbiz culture and the reality of the poignant hardships to adopt it. The key decisions of Tina reclaiming her autonomy such as standing up to those going against her and choosing her iconic mini-dresses (no matter her age) act as some strong indicators to highlight the impact of those more subtle notions throughout the script. Despite developing her own famed hairstyle, the creative implementation of wig changes with the vast range of popping outfits help to illustrate the scene pacing effectively.
Reappearing at several pivotal moments, Gran Georgeanna and young Anna Mae act as guidance as Tina keeps navigating the turbulent landscape. With spirituality offering another avenue of grace, this is another important theme explored intersectionally, since racism, discrimination and abusive relationships feature heavily too. By examining the relationship between Tina and her mother (Letitia Hector) and how this shifts over time, we see the generational scars from damage in childhood. The authenticity of this trauma, yet the ability to push beyond this to break the cycle, is powerful to see on stage, particularly as a true representation.
Whether you are an established Tina Turner fan or just want to get stuck into some fantastic theatre, this show is one for you. A striking collective of cast and creatives has once again brought this production to the heights necessary for the portrayal of such a legend. Its electric buzz combined with such an inspiring story of a woman who defied all odds to achieve her goals, makes Tina a great watch. It's simply the best night out!
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