Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
A soul-stirring tribute to a true icon
From its haunting opening sequence to the dazzling, show-stopping finish, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is an extraordinary retelling of the inspiring story behind the legendary artist.
The soundtrack is iconic, with her music ingrained in the hearts of many. I would, in fact, challenge you to find someone who can’t belt out a couple of lines from at least one of her songs! A plethora of legendary hits are showcased in their full glory throughout, helping to set the scene for her harrowing story. Despite facing more than any one person should have to endure — racism, abandonment, rejection, and heartbreak — she still managed to rise like a phoenix from the ashes, overcoming every adversity to solidify her diva status.
Bree Smith was sensational as Tina, leaving everything on stage. Her passionate performance showed true commitment to the character, honouring the legend and encapsulating her emotional journey. Her voice was flawless as she tackled the biggest numbers with ease, giving us multiple awe-inspiring moments that were profoundly affecting — leaving my spine tingling and moving me beyond words. Then, to further cement her talent, she dazzled us with the iconic signature dance moves, putting energy and pizzazz into every leg kick, arm sweep, and electrifying spin.
A shining star and breath of fresh air in the performance was young Anna-Mae (Tina Turner as a child), played by Chizaram Ochuba-Okafor. No doubt set on the path to greatness, she captivated us from the opening number with her high-energy performance, hitting every move with such crisp precision that you find yourself grinning from ear to ear as she wins your heart. Then she sang — and simply stunned us — her voice rich, soulful, and far beyond her years.
David King-Yombo played the notorious Ike Turner, capturing not only the talent of the artist who helped Tina rise to fame, but also his more sinister traits — those Tina was tragically subjected to. Although the character is not one to be liked, David’s commitment to portraying this dark chapter of their story showcased real depth and talent.
Another standout stage presence was Letitia Hector, who brought to life Tina’s mother, Zelma Bullock. There was something truly beautiful in the tone of her voice — it seemed to wash over me. The character herself was of a questionable nature, not having always done right by Tina, but Letitia gave a striking performance, revealing both the strength and fragility within Zelma, making her more than just a flawed figure.
High praise needs to be given to the whole ensemble, who brought the stage to life with their seamless moves and vibrant harmonies. Awash with colour and intricate choreography, every moment drew the eye and enriched the performance.
Whether a fan of her music or simply a lover of the stage, this show offers an endearing evening of highs and lows — but above all, great music! You’ll find yourself wanting to get up and dance more than once, but don’t worry — stay strong — you’ll get your chance to join in with some of her iconic moves. At times, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped straight into a Tina concert.
As we leave the theatre reflecting on the masterpiece we’ve just witnessed, accompanied by the collective chorus of theatregoers humming bars of their favourite songs, there are no better words than those of Tina herself: this show is simply the best! It invites you to immerse yourself in her music while gaining a new understanding and perspective. Perhaps we can all come away a little more informed — ready to help stop history repeating itself. It is an outstanding tribute to a true icon and one that should not be missed.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is playing at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton until 18 October — buy your tickets today for an unforgettable night!
Words by Vicky Anscombe
Photos by Johan Persson
