REVIEW - TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL | PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER | 10/12/2025

Simply the Best! Tina: The Tina Turner Musical Rocks the Palace Theatre Manchester

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical arrives at the Palace Theatre Manchester as part of its first UK tour, bringing one of music’s most extraordinary life stories to the stage. Since premiering in London’s West End and on Broadway, the production has earned widespread acclaim for its unflinching storytelling and exhilarating use of Tina Turner’s iconic back catalogue. This is not a glossy jukebox musical designed to skim the surface; it is a powerful, often challenging portrait of a woman who fought relentlessly for her voice, her freedom, and her place in music history.

The musical traces Tina Turner’s journey from her early years as Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, through to her rise as a global superstar. We see her discovering her love of singing in church, navigating a fractured childhood, and later moving to St Louis with her sister Alline, where her life changes forever after meeting Ike Turner.

What follows is an honest and often harrowing depiction of their relationship. The show does not shy away from portraying coercive control and domestic abuse, but it handles these moments with care and respect, never sensationalising the subject matter. These scenes are undeniably difficult to watch, yet they are essential in showing the strength it took for Tina to survive and eventually walk away.

The second half of the show charts Tina’s reinvention — rebuilding her career from nothing, facing rejection, prejudice, and doubt, before reclaiming her place at the top of the music world. Her journey towards independence and self-belief is deeply moving, and by the time the story reaches its triumphant finale, the sense of victory feels thoroughly earned.

Visually, the production is slick and cinematic. The set moves fluidly between locations, from intimate domestic spaces to vast concert stages, supported by dynamic lighting that shifts the mood effortlessly. Costumes clearly mark each era of Tina’s life, charting her transformation from Anna Mae to international rock icon.

The choreography is relentless and full of power, matching the raw energy Tina Turner was famous for. Every movement feels purposeful, driving the story forward and building momentum towards the show’s showstopping finale.

Music is, of course, at the heart of this production. With a score packed with Tina Turner hits, including Proud Mary, River Deep – Mountain High, Private Dancer, and Simply the Best, the songs are woven seamlessly into the narrative rather than feeling like standalone numbers. By the final scenes, the theatre is alive with energy, turning the Palace Theatre Manchester into something resembling a full-scale rock concert.

At this performance, the role of Tina Turner was played by Elle Ma-Kinga N’zuzi, who delivered a commanding and emotionally rich portrayal. She captured both Tina’s vulnerability and her ferocious stage presence, moving convincingly from moments of quiet pain to electrifying musical numbers. Her vocals were powerful and assured, and she held the audience’s attention from start to finish.

Kane Matthews portrayed Ike Turner with a layered performance that balanced early charm with an increasingly unsettling sense of control. His portrayal made the darker aspects of the story land with real impact.

Sedona Sky brought warmth and strength to Alline Bullock, providing moments of sisterly support and emotional grounding, while Chizaram Ochuba-Okafor shone as young Anna Mae Bullock, capturing the innocence and early spark of Tina’s talent. Lily Bunn, in the dual role of Young Alline Bullock and Craig, added further depth to the early scenes. Together with the ensemble, the cast delivered tight vocals, high-energy choreography, and a sense of unity that powered the show forward.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester is an exhilarating and deeply affecting piece of theatre. It tells a difficult story with honesty and heart, balancing moments of darkness with an overwhelming sense of triumph. By the time the final notes ring out, the audience is not just applauding a musical — they are celebrating the resilience of a woman who refused to be silenced.

This is a production that stays with you long after the curtain falls: bold, emotional, and utterly electrifying. A true five-star experience and a must-see for Manchester theatregoers.

A powerful reminder that Tina Turner really was — and always will be — simply the best.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is at Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday 3rd January 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Johan Persson