FIERCE, FIERY AND FULL OF JOY!
REVIEW: TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, GRAND OPERA HOUSE BELFAST
From the very first note to the very long standing ovation, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is a blistering, powerhouse of a show that left the entire Grand Opera House crowd on their feet and roaring. It’s more than just a jukebox musical, it’s a raw, emotional rollercoaster that traces Tina Turner’s extraordinary life with heart, grit and unstoppable energy.
At first, I was curious why the lead role was split between two performers – Elle Ma-Kinga N’zuzi and Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy – but it makes perfect sense. The demands of the role are relentless. It’s not just about the voice (though that alone would be enough), it’s the dancing, the drama, the sheer stamina required to portray Tina’s story across decades of pain, passion, and eventually, triumph.
We saw Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy and she was simply sensational. This was no imitation. Her performance was a transformation – she became Tina. Biographical musicals can easily slip into tribute act territory, but that never happened here. Last night, it was Tina Turner on that stage.
From Nutbush, Tennessee’s wide-eyed Anna Mae Bullock to the spiky-haired rock legend in red leather, MacCarthy carried the weight of the story with smoky vocals, emotional depth, and electric stage presence. She held nothing back, a true triple threat.
The production doesn’t shy away from the dark chapters of Tina’s life. Her troubled childhood, the trauma of domestic abuse at the hands of Ike Turner (played with chilling swagger by David King-Yombo), and the insidious racism of the music industry are all confronted head-on. And yet, there’s also joy, the faith instilled by her grandmother, the love she finds later in life, and above all, the music.
Because this is a show that truly comes alive in its music. Under Sarah Burrell’s musical direction, the band blazes through 23 hit songs including “River Deep – Mountain High”, “Private Dancer”, and of course, “Proud Mary”. Anthony van Laast’s choreography captures the era and the essence of Tina herself, performed by an ensemble clearly having the time of their lives.
The visual design is striking, from dazzling spotlights to stage-filling screens of fireworks and city skylines. It all builds towards that finale, when Tina, finally free, steps into her power. By the time the curtain fell, the audience was already up dancing, clapping, and singing along.
Tina Turner famously said she never did anything “nice and easy” – and neither does this show. Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is fierce, fiery and full of joy. A must-see.
KIM KELLY
www.goh.com for tickets
