REVIEW: TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL @ THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

🎭 Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

📍  The Lyric, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2TR

🗓 Wednesday 2nd July 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SIMPLY THE BEST MUSICAL

TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL has been delighting audiences in London's West End since it opened in 2018 and now for the first time is touring the UK, stopping in Plymouth for two weeks, playing until Saturday 12th July.

The musical tells the story of the somewhat tumultuous life and career of Tina Turner, one of the world's best-selling recording artists of all time. Regular followers of mine on social media will know that I have made frequent visits to the Aldwych Theatre in London to see this musical so I was interested to see how the show translated to a touring production. There were a number of changes, mainly around set and staging, but once I had got my head around this I could appreciate how magnificent the touring version is.

The iconic titular role is shared by two actors and at this performance it was Elle Ma-Kinga N'Zuzi who portrayed her. She was absolutely breathtaking as she powered her way through the show with incredible jaw-dropping vocals. She portrayed defiance and vulnerability with supurb realism which drew you in. The show spans quite a broad timeline and it was as if she matured before your eyes as this talented individual expertly grew the character. As she closed Act 1 with I Don't Wanna Fight she delivered a masterclass of acting through song which was utterly captivating. Other standout moments of hers were River Deep - Mountain High and the high energy finale which was sensational. Her stamina was mesmerising and is to be commended. It was as if she was channeling the real Tina Turner during her performance.

There are a lot of characters in this story, but it's never confusing or overwhelming. It's just that there's a lot of story to tell. David King-Yombo was so convincing as Ike Turner that he got booed during the curtain call! Surely there can be no better accolade for a job well done! Letitia Hector was brilliantly unlikeable as the mean-spirited Zelma Bullock and she played her last scene with absolute dignity.

William Beckerleg was wonderfully caring as Erwin Bach, and the blossoming romance between him and Tina was wonderful to watch. Isaac Elder as Roger Davies was full of gumption and was magnificently endearing. Georgia Gillam as Alline Bullock had great energy and stage presence whilst Kyle Richardson was captivating with his gloriously smooth vocals as Raymond Hill.

Gemma Sutton as Rhonda Gramm also stood out for me because of her lovable friendliness and beautifully elegant vocals, and Claude East was serene as Gran Georgeanna and was the real heart of the piece. It has to be said that the entire company were flawless and deserved to be mentioned individually, but that would lead to a very long review indeed!

It wouldn't be right however not to mention the incredible performance from child actor Chloe Angiama as the Young Anna Mae Bullock. She gave such a grounded performance and displayed epic vocals for someone so young.

As mentioned earlier the set design was the biggest difference in this production, but it was functional and worked well. The staging was also adapted well - especially as the tour does not feature a revolve as the West End version does. This perhaps changed the intensity of some scenes slightly but was not a distraction.

The lighting and sound worked phenomenally well, really coming into their own during the finale, delivering a technical masterpiece.

The production doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of the life story of Tina Turner, and there are scenes of domestic abuse. These are portrayed extremely well and with impeccable realism. This show is definitely a rollercoaster of emotions and takes the audience willingly on its journey.

Jukebox musicals such as this are fantastic at bringing new audiences to the theatre and when they are as good as this one is, they create lifelong theatre fans. TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is musical theatre done right. It's a strong story, delivered impeccably by a stellar cast, and features spectacular vocal performances.

The final 15 minutes becomes a full on concert, and this is where the audience are encouraged to join in. The entirety of the sold-out theatre were up on their feet singing and dancing in a real celebration of the legacy of Tina Turner.

TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL continues performances at Theatre Royal Plymouth until Saturday 12th July, and I cannot recommend this show enough. Click here to check availability and to book tickets. I've already booked a return visit to Nutbush!

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.  

My ticket for this performance of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical was gifted by Theatre Royal Plymouth who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given. 

CAST AT THIS PERFORMANCE:

Elle Ma-Kinga N'Zuz1 as Tina Turner; David King-Yombo as Ike Turner; Letitia Hector as Zelma Bullock; Isaac Elder as Roger Davies; William Beckerleg as Erwin Bach; Gemma Sutton as Rhonda Graam; Georgia Gillam as Alline Bullock; Martin Allinson as Phil Spector / Terry Britten; Richard Taylor Woods as Carpenter / Martyn Ware; Rushand Chambers as Richard Bullock; Kyle Richardson as Raymond Hill; Claude East as Gran Georgeanna; Chloe Angiama as Young Anna Mae Bullock; Mariah Martinez as Young Alline Bullock / Young Craig; D'Mia Lindsay-Walker as Ikette; Alana Robinson as Ikette; Sedona Sky as Ikette; Kane Matthews as Craig; Daniel N'Guessan-Lopez as Ronnie; Charlotte Elisabeth Yorke as Toni; Viquichele Cross as Lorraine

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 45 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Violence; Domestic violence; Strong language; Gun shots; Blood imagery; Racial discrimination; Strobe lighting; Bright lights; Loud music

AGE GUIDANCE:

14+