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Tina: The Musical at London’s Aldwych Theatre – a euphoric tribute to the power of music

January can often feel like the longest month in the year, especially when it’s near freezing temperatures, and you wouldn’t be mistaken for wanting to sit at home wrapped up warm and plonked in front of the TV watching Netflix.

But this year, I promised to make the most of my time and get out and do things even I enjoyed and that’s not much better than heading to London’s West End for a show about one of music’s biggest superstars.

It's simply the best! The official stage musical of Tina Turner at the Aldwych Theatre
It's simply the best! The official stage musical of Tina Turner at the Aldwych Theatre
The exhilarating biographical musical based on the life of one of the greatest rock and roll singers of all time has played the Aldwych Theatre since 2018
The exhilarating biographical musical based on the life of one of the greatest rock and roll singers of all time has played the Aldwych Theatre since 2018

Tina: The Musical provided the exact relief from a long month I needed as the Queen of Rock n Roll’s expertly told life story and stellar hits were performed in front of a packed out crowd at the Aldwych Theatre, a short walk from Covent Garden.

Now, it’s not just the show which gave me my best day of the year so far but the incredible atmosphere and experience you get with heading to the capital and becoming a theatre-goer.

I was mistaken in being somewhat reserved about how enthusiastic I would be about heading to London for the show straight after work – Would I be tired? Would I get delayed? Would I really enjoy walking around during rush-hour?

But all my worries were put to rest with the sheer ease of my night and the incredible show. Getting into London Charing Cross at just after 6pm I couldn’t have been tasked with an easier walk to the venue which let me soak in the city’s delights.

As a I strolled down the road on my 10-minute walk to the theatre district I was spoiled for choice on London’s diversity of restaurants and what to eat for a pre-show meal.

The Wellington was the nearby pub we chose for a quick drink before the show, but you're spoilt for choice. Picture: Sean McPolin
The Wellington was the nearby pub we chose for a quick drink before the show, but you're spoilt for choice. Picture: Sean McPolin
The walk from London Charing Cross to the theatre was an incredible experience and opportunity to take in the West End. Picture: Sean McPolin
The walk from London Charing Cross to the theatre was an incredible experience and opportunity to take in the West End. Picture: Sean McPolin

If you fancy some Greek food? You got it. Italian? There’s almost too much choice. Sushi? Just a stones throw from the station.

And the choices don’t just end at food to tuck into. Any kind of bar or pub you can think off is just a few minutes away from the station and the Aldywch Theatre. My usual go-to is to head to Covent Garden for a bite to eat and a drink, but I got caught up in the lovely walk along The Strand to the theatre and the illuminous signs of all the other shows I’ll be planning to see in the future.

The likes of Mammia Mia!, the Lion King, Stranger Things, Mean Girls, Back to the Future or Six all caught my eye and before I knew it I was basically at the venue 45 minutes earlier.

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Luckily for us we managed to get ourselves a seat at The Wellington pub nearby for a Guinness (£7.05) and an alcohol-free cocktail (£7.50) and took in the sites and city people for the next 15 minutes before we headed inside.

Much to my delight getting into the venue, which is extraordinary from the outside but even better on the side with it’s winding stairs and chandeliers, was easier than the walk to the venue and we were up to the bar within two minutes.

The Aldwych Theatre was the perfect home for Tina: The Musical. Picture: Sean McPolin
The Aldwych Theatre was the perfect home for Tina: The Musical. Picture: Sean McPolin
Two bags of sweets, a mocktail and a J20 set me back £16. Picture: Sean McPolin
Two bags of sweets, a mocktail and a J20 set me back £16. Picture: Sean McPolin

Another mocktail, soft drink and two bags of sweets to munch on during the show set me back £16 but it’s nice to treat yourself when you get out the house. We quickly plodded off to find our seats and couldn’t ask for much better when we go to the dress circle and navigated the narrow and compact rows.

As the 2 hour 45 minute long show got underway it dawned on me I knew hardly anything about Tina Turner, but it turns out that may have worked in my favour as the cast’s performances of her hard life and fluctuating fortunes tugged on the hearstrings.

One minute you were close to tears thinking of the horrific abuse – both physical and emotional – Tina went through and the next you’re blown away by the incredible vocals (this time performed by stand-in Charlotte St. Croix) and you can’t help but want to get up and sing along to some of the star’s hit songs.

Again, I can’t fault the cast at all throughout the whole night. From the young and imperious Azaela Harris, who played little Anna-Mae, to Rolan Bell’s performance as the notorious Ike Turner. Everyone’s professionalism was highlighted after a minor technical snag in the show saw a 20-minute delay but the performers picked up where things left off like nothing had happened.

The show’s delicate handling of such a troubled life really stood out and the finale was simply the best I’ve experienced at a theatre anywhere.

Get yourself down to the Aldwych Theatre for this excellent show which is the perfect date, night out with friends or detox from work life you need.

From her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee to becoming a music icon, Tina Turner’s journey is nothing short of legendary
From her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee to becoming a music icon, Tina Turner’s journey is nothing short of legendary

FACTFILE

Times: Monday to Wednesday at 7pm and Thursday to Saturday at 7.30pm. There are 2.30pm matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Run time: The show at the Aldwych Theatre lasts 2hrs 45 mins including one interval.

Dates: Booking is available until October 2025. Click here to book

By underground: The nearest stations are Covent Garden, Holborn and Charing Cross.

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