What’s Love Got To Do With It? A Tribute to Tina Turner – Regent Theatre

If you are a star that is known instantly by your first name ‘Tina’ and have a musical career that spans more than 50 years, then you really don’t need much of an introduction. However, one lady who should be applauded is the one and only Elesha Paul Moses, performing songs by Tina Turner. Brought to the stage by the producers who brought us the fabulous ‘Whitney, Queen of the Night’, this show was a celebration of Tina Turner’s career.

‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’, is certainly the perfect return to the theatre for most audiences post lockdown. Jam packed with Tina’s hits it provided the audience with an uplifting, extremely energetic, feel-good show that is undoubtedly a wonderful tribute to the great Tina Turner.

There are often strong opinions one way or another about tribute acts but with Elesha Paul Moses there is nothing to be dismissive of. She was outstanding. With a tribute act there must always be an element of impersonation and not everyone can pull this off. Afterall, there is only one Tina Turner. However, the facial expressions, the dance moves, the strut, encompassed all that was Tina. Moses certainly pulled off an excellent Tina tribute.

A personal favourite was ‘Private Dancer’. An intense performance full of passion on a dimly lit stage that showed off the silhouette of Moses, this was a spectacular performance. If by the second half anyone in the audience were not up in their seats singing and dancing, then ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘Nutbush City Limits’ ensured that they would. This had my guest singing and dancing and was clearly extremely popular with the audience also. Moses certainly knows how to ignite an audience.

Several costume changes were managed well and worked seamlessly into the show. Adorned with a golden dress for her performance of ‘Golden Eye’- you could not take your eyes off Moses for most of the night.

The fabulous backing singers must also be applauded as they added depth to the entire performance and with an abundance of energy in their dancing on stage, they complemented Moses perfectly. With stunning choreography that did not deter from the vocals at all, their individual personalities could be seen through their energy on stage.

Accompanied by an incredibly talented band who were on point throughout gave the impression they were all very experienced performers. They were introduced by Moses to applause from the audience, perhaps seeming a little awkward at times when all eyes were on them. However, their musical ability was impeccable, and the saxophonist Kit Mlynars solo was particularly stand out.

‘What’s Love Got To Do With It? A Tribute to Tina Turner’, is a must see for all ages, not only if you love Tina herself but especially if you want to feel uplifted and energised on your return to theatre. It would be hard to leave this performance without a smile on your face on the way home. It reminded us all that returning to theatre has been well overdue.

Reviewer: Angela Kelly

Reviewed: 24^th August 2021

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★