Queen of Rock’ n’ Roll! The story behind Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

Tina Turner’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation. From her modest beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her ascent as a global icon, Tina’s life has captivated and inspired millions. TINA – The Tina Turner Musical brings that story to life, delving into the struggles, triumphs and pivotal moments that defined her career and established her as the “queen of rock’n’roll”. 

The musical, written by Olivier Award-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, is no jukebox show. It dives into Tina’s journey with raw honesty, showing how she fought to rebuild her career after leaving behind her tumultuous marriage to Ike Turner. The narrative goes beyond the spotlight, exploring her struggles to regain artistic freedom and the personal and professional choices that would define her legacy. 

In the years following her split from Ike, Tina faced an uphill battle. Stripped of financial security and professional connections, she found herself performing in smaller venues, relying on her talent and determination to stay afloat in the smoky lounges of Las Vegas. By the early 1980s, the music industry had largely dismissed her. Yet Tina refused to give up, driven by a belief in her ability to create something new and meaningful. It’s this period of reinvention that forms a key part of the musical’s story. 

A turning point came when Tina arrived in London to work with Heaven 17’s Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh, co-founders of the British Electric Foundation (BEF). (See pages 104–107 for Ware’s retelling of their fateful meeting.) Through their collaboration, she recorded a cover of The Temptations’ ‘Ball of Confusion,’ which showcased her ability to adapt to the evolving music landscape. Though not a commercial success, the track reintroduced Tina to the studio after years of performing live and signalled the beginning of her rebirth as an artist. 

Tina’s manager, Roger Davies, quickly saw the potential of this new direction. Seeking to further develop her sound, Davies enlisted Ware and Marsh to produce another track — Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’. Its success paved the way for Private Dancer, the album that would define Tina’s comeback and become her bestselling work ever. The musical captures the excitement and significance of this moment, portraying how her ability to embrace risk allowed her to reclaim her career on her own terms. Songs like ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It,’ ‘Better Be Good to Me,’ and the title track cemented her as a global star, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and a place in music history. 

What sets TINA – The Tina Turner Musical apart is its ability to balance the triumphs with the struggles. The production doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of Tina’s life but instead uses them to highlight the strength it took to persevere. It’s a raw and authentic portrayal of a woman who refused to let circumstances define her. The show also makes it clear that her success wasn’t achieved alone — it was built on collaboration, determination, and the unshakable belief that her best days were still ahead of her. 

Since its 2018 debut at its home of London’s Aldwych Theatre, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical has expanded its reach globally, with productions in Germany, the US, the Netherlands, Spain and Australia. In 2025, the musical will embark on its first UK and Ireland tour, bringing Tina Turner’s inspiring story to audiences across the country. With April 2025 marking its eighth year in the West End, the musical continues to attract new audiences, proving that her legacy transcends generations. 

This November, as fans around the world remember Tina on what would have been her 85th birthday, the cast of the musical will honour this legend at the Rolling Stone UK Awards 2024 with a special performance. It’s a fitting tribute to an artist whose contributions to music and culture remain unmatched. The moment will serve as a reminder of the mark Tina left on the world and the many lives she touched through her talent and tenacity. 

At the heart of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the idea of reinvention. Tina’s decision to tell her story on stage was rooted in a desire to inspire others, showing that it’s never too late to pursue a dream or to change the course of your life. Her story is universal in its themes of strength and self-discovery, yet deeply personal in its execution, brought to life by a team committed to preserving her truth. 

Karis Anderson and Zoe Birkett, who alternate in the role of Tina, deliver performances that capture Tina’s essence without imitation. They embody the drive and vulnerability that defined Tina’s journey, making her story relatable while maintaining the gravity of her achievements. The production also benefits from a setlist that feels as much a narrative device as it does a celebration of her hits. Songs like ‘Proud Mary,’ ‘River Deep – Mountain High,’ and the show-stopping finale connect audiences to the emotion behind each chapter of her life. 

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is more than a night at the theatre — it’s an experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls. It’s a reminder of Tina’s ability to overcome and transform, using her music not just to entertain but to communicate her truth. The show’s success lies in its ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level, whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to her music. 

As Tina herself told Oprah Winfrey in 2013, “My legacy is that I stayed on course, from the beginning to the end.” TINA honours that legacy, presenting her life and career with the depth and respect it deserves. It’s a production that ensures her story will continue to inspire for generations to come. 

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is playing at the Aldwych Theatre in London, with tickets available now. Celebrate Tina Turner’s life, music, and enduring legacy by seeing her extraordinary story brought to life on stage.