TINA The Musical – The Story of Tina Turner the Rock n’ Roll Icon

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical tells the exhilarating and inspiring life story of Tina Turner. From her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into the global queen of rock ‘n’ roll, the show captures Tina’s fierce determination, her struggles and triumphs, underscored by her hit songs that define decades of music history.

It’s a celebration of her legacy, unwavering spirit, and the soaring highs and crushing lows that shaped her indelible mark on music and culture.

Key Takeaways

• Tina’s Triumph: Learn about Tina Turner’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global rock icon, overcoming personal and professional challenges along the way.
• Behind the Scenes: Discover the making of ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’, including the creative team’s dedication to authentic storytelling and Tina’s direct involvement in the production.
• Musical Journey: Experience Tina Turner’s timeless hits that not only entertain but also narrate her life story, highlighting significant periods of her career.

The Journey of Tina Turner

From her early days in the fields of Nutbush to her dazzling performances on the biggest stages around the world, Tina Turner’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a tale of unstoppable willpower, amazing talent, and resilience that wouldn’t yield.

This musical celebrates Tina Turner’s life, honouring the legendary singer who started with simple beginnings, faced huge challenges, and rose to become an international superstar.

Humble Beginnings

Tina Turner’s journey began in the small town of Nutbush, Tennessee, where she was born as Anna Mae Bullock. Her early love for music was nurtured in the Spring Hill Baptist Church choir, where her powerful voice first drew attention. This small community was also where other talents like Emma Hatton and Raymond Hill discovered their musical passions, highlighting the town’s unexpected role in shaping future stars.

The passing of her grandmother forced Tina to relocate to St. Louis to live with her mother. It was there she completed her education and worked various jobs, but her heart remained with music. In St. Louis, she met Ike Turner, who would play a pivotal role in her music career’s inception, but would also bring her significant personal strife.

Throughout her career, Tina found support from individuals like Earl Gregory and Roger Davies, and encountered fellow musicians such as Jonathan Carlton.

Overcoming Obstacles

The young Tina’s involvement with Ike Turner and his band, The Kings of Rhythm, was the start of a difficult period in her life. Their relationship was marked by personal and professional challenges, including abuse and control. In 1968, Tina reached a breaking point and attempted suicide, signaling a dire need for change.

However, Tina Turner was a fighter. In 1976, she bravely left Ike following a particularly violent confrontation. The subsequent divorce was another hurdle, but Tina was adamant about keeping her stage name, Tina Turner. This was a crucial step towards her independence and the start of her remarkable journey to rebuild her life and career, eventually becoming an international rock ‘n’ roll star.

The Road to Stardom

The journey to stardom for Tina Turner was fraught with challenges. As a solo artist, she encountered financial difficulties and industry biases. Nonetheless, she persisted, demonstrating her exceptional talent and silencing her detractors. Her resurgence as a solo performer was heralded by the release of the album ‘Private Dancer’, which achieved multi-platinum status. The album featured a collaboration with British producers and included the chart-topping single ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’, symbolizing her successful reinvention.

Tina Turner’s energetic performances and powerful vocals became emblematic of rock ‘n’ roll. With songs like ‘The Best’, she solidified her status as a music icon. Recognised today as a legend, Tina Turner embodies strength and perseverance. Her accolades include eleven Grammy Awards, the inclusion of three of her songs in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and the sale of 180 million records worldwide. Tina Turner’s enduring impact on the music industry is undeniable.

The Making of the Musical

The stage comes alive with the story of Tina Turner in ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’. This show is more than a showcase of Tina’s hit songs; it’s a detailed account of her life, with each song carefully selected to fit into the narrative. Audiences are taken on an emotional ride through the ups and downs of Tina’s life, with every scene crafted to reflect her legacy accurately.

To bring Tina Turner’s story to life, the creators of the musical dedicated themselves to authentic storytelling, dynamic choreography, and thoughtful stage design. The result is a true-to-life portrayal of Tina Turner’s journey, celebrating her enduring impact on music and culture.

Tina’s Involvement

The musical’s authenticity is largely attributed to Tina Turner’s direct involvement. She collaborated with the production team, offering insights on the portrayal of her life’s story. Tina’s guidance ensured that the characters, dance routines, and overall narrative stayed true to her experiences.

Addressing her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner was handled with particular care. Tina sought to present a fair portrayal that recognised the challenges they faced without neglecting the darker aspects of their partnership. Her hands-on approach to the musical guaranteed a portrayal that was honest, yet sensitive to the nuances of their shared history.

The Creative Team

The creative team responsible for ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’ includes prominent figures from the theatre world. Director Phyllida Lloyd, celebrated for her work on ‘Mamma Mia!’ and the all-female Shakespeare Trilogy, lends her directorial prowess to the musical.

The story of Tina’s life is adapted for the stage by writers Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar, and Kees Prins, who together crafted the book for the musical with great attention to detail.

Choreography plays a vital role in capturing the essence of Tina Turner’s dynamic performances, and for this task, Anthony van Laast was brought on board. Van Laast, honoured with an MBE and CBE for his contributions to dance, draws on his experience from working on successful productions like ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Sister Act’ to inject vibrancy into the musical’s dance routines.

Memorable Music

The heart of ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’ is its music, featuring Tina Turner’s timeless hits like ‘Proud Mary’, ‘River Deep, Mountain High’, and ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It?’ These songs do more than entertain; they help tell Tina’s life story.

The musical highlights the significant periods of Tina’s career, from her early days and collaborations with Ike Turner to her remarkable achievements as a solo artist. Audiences experience a thrilling soundtrack that not only celebrates her greatest hits but also chronicles her journey through the history of music.

Age Recommendations and Content Warnings

The recommended age for audience members to attend ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’ is 14 years and older. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theatre. This guidance is due to the mature themes presented in the musical, which include intense and potentially disturbing content such as loud music and scenes depicting domestic violence.

For the safety and comfort of all guests, the following content warnings are in place:

• Strobe lighting effects
• High volume music
• Sound effects of gunshots
• Theatrical haze
• Portrayals of violence and domestic abuse

These guidelines and warnings are provided to ensure that all attendees have an enjoyable and safe experience at the theatre, while also being prepared for the serious and intense subject matter that is an integral part of the story.

Final Thoughts

‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’ honours the life and legacy of Tina Turner, showcasing her resilience and the transformative power of her music. The musical narrates Tina’s rise from her modest roots to becoming a global rock icon. With direct input from Tina herself, the production team has crafted an authentic portrayal of her life’s journey.

Despite facing some criticism, the musical is celebrated by audiences and has garnered positive reviews from critics. It offers more than entertainment; it’s an immersive journey through the extraordinary life of a music legend.

FAQs

What is the story behind Tina The Musical?

The musical is based on the remarkable life and music of Tina Turner. It begins with her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, where her parents abandoned her. From there, we follow her journey as she defies the odds, meets Ike Turner (the self-proclaimed king of rock ‘n’ roll), and embarks on a career that would change the industry forever. The show beautifully weaves in Tina’s hit songs, showcasing her resilience, talent, and determination.

Where is the Tina Turner musical showing?

The musical is currently playing at the Aldwych Theatre in London’s West End. It’s the perfect opportunity for theatre enthusiasts to experience the captivating story of Tina Turner.

Who plays Tina Turner in the musical London?

The talented Adrienne Warren takes on the iconic role of Tina Turner in the London production. Her powerful performance brings Tina’s life and music to the stage, capturing the essence of the legendary rock ‘n’ roll queen.

Will Tina The Musical tour the UK?

Yes! The musical is set to tour the UK and Ireland in 2025 and 2026.

Is Tina The Musical coming to Edinburgh?

The Tina Turner Musical will grace the Edinburgh Playhouse in November 2025. Scottish audiences will have the chance to witness the electrifying performance and relive Tina’s extraordinary journey.

How long will the Tina The Musical be in London?

As of now, the musical is booking until September 2024 at the Aldwych Theatre. So, if you’re planning a visit to London, make sure to catch this sensational production before it concludes its West End run.

How long is Tina The Musical?

The show has a runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute interval. It’s a thrilling and emotional experience that celebrates Tina Turner’s legacy and resilience.

Is Tina the musical good?

Yes, Tina the musical is a gripping and amazing show with a fantastic lead performance by Aisha, who portrays Tina with an incredible voice and energy. You’ll definitely enjoy it!

Is Tina the musical suitable for kids?

Tina the musical is not recommended for young kids due to scenes depicting domestic violence, racist language, and other mature content.