Tina: The Tina Turner Musical – Sheffield Lyceum

With everything you would expect from a show bearing this iconic name, the Sheffield Lyceum welcomed this touring production of the West End hit with aplomb. With the one and only original Tina Turner herself, at the core of this musicals creation from the first day to its initial opening on Broadway. The audience are riveted to their seats from the get-go with its biographical depiction of Tina Turner’s journey from the challenges from Nutbush to stratospheric super stardom – with its trials and tribulations. It is a story of racism, domestic abuse and abandonment laced with determination, strength, survival and an overriding, soul bearing undeniable talent. Tina Turner herself described the show as turning her poison to medicine – an outpouring.

The Book written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, is in true musical theatre style with 23 high energy and foot stomping Tina hits under the Musical Supervision, arrangement and additional music of Nevin Skilbeck. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd the story has a vast number of characters, and some are not fully explored due to the sheer amount of them needed to tell this story. This, at times, means the show is a little choppy but in no way hinders the theatrically depicted life journey we are privy to.

The set by Mark Thompson uses video imagery to establish location and mood with only essential and occasional trucked set and props to represent interiors. With the Musical Direction by Sarah Burrell, of the 11-piece band, their sound gives a full on concert feel. During the recreations of Tina’s iconic concerts, the band are present as should be on stage and take on a pivotal role with solo musical spots. Anthony van Laast’s choreography is one of the productions greatest strengths and the energy given on stage by both Principals and ensemble is stunning, with the movement harking back to its intended era with precision, soul and flair.

The strong cast is collectively hard working with some stellar performances notably so – Chloe Angiama as the Young Anna Mae Bullock, this young actress exhumes star quality and I am sure is a name we will be hearing much more of in the years to come. At the other end of the character age spectrum, Claude East as Gran Georgeanna portrays the spiritual influence on Tina’s early life with a sincerity that is spell binding both visually and vocally. Georgia Gillam as Sister Alline comes into her own in the Second Act – as ditsy as she is likeable. Kyle Richardson delivers a show stopping moment as Tina’s first love, Raymond Hill with his heavenly vocal in Let’s Stay Together. The extremely difficult role of Ike Turner is played to perfection by David King-Yombo. The abusive, bullying, controlling yet scared, vulnerable and misguided facets of his character are all depicted within his performance and King-Yombo is subsequently boo’d and then appreciatively clapped at the curtain call – Job done well!

The role of Tina Turner is centre stage and evident always, as Tina was in life.  Therefore, the role is shared by two performers on alternate nights, which is not a surprise – due to the ferocity and demanding nature of the character on a nightly repeat. I witnessed Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi play the role with the precise amount of fire, desperation and soul. Her vocals have the rasp and power, but never do they stray into impersonation. This actress is a true triple threat and embodies the role completely. As should be, Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi is the star of the show in every sense. Originally from France and a multi-lingual actress, I have just one small niggle – her French accent became evident in the Second Act and was a little off putting once noticed – BUT – with a role of that size, stature and intensity… totally understandable when immersed in the passion of the story.

Whether you are a long time Tina Turner fan or new to her music this production is a must-see. It has star quality at every turn, it is a display of resilience and strength, it is soulful and frenzied, it is uplifting and awe inspiring… it is totally Tina Turner!

Catch the production on its UK Tour at the Sheffield Lyceum until the 20^th September 2025 and experience what made Tina Turner the Legend she is. Simply The Best!

Reviewer: Tracey Bell

Reviewed: 10th September 2025

North West End UK Rating: