★★★★★ Review: Simply The Best - The Tina Turner Musical Shines in Sheffield

Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi as Tina Turner, Photography by Johan Persson

From Nutbush City Limits to Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre, TINA: The Tina Turner Musical brought the house down on its opening night in the city on Wednesday 10th September. This electrifying production is a triumph from start to finish, featuring a stellar cast of actors and musicians who embody the spirit and sound of the Queen of Rock and Roll. It’s no surprise the show has received rave reviews during its West End and US runs, and why it has been playing to a packed house during its Sheffield Theatres residency this week.

Presented in association with Tina Turner herself, the musical is written by Olivier Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall (The Mountaintop), and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia!). It charts the powerful and emotional journey of Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock), from her roots in Nutbush City, Tennessee to becoming one of the most iconic performers in music history.

Tina’s rise to fame began in the 1960s alongside her husband Ike Turner, with the duo gaining acclaim for their dynamic performances, most notably their rendition of ‘Proud Mary’ (originally performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival and written by John Fogerty). While some might call this a "jukebox musical" this production is anything but formulaic. Rather than simply stringing together hits, the music is seamlessly woven into the narrative. It is emotionally resonant, tastefully staged, and deeply moving.

The show opens with Tina preparing to take the stage, then transports the audience back to her childhood singing in a small-town church. From there, we follow her tumultuous relationship with Ike including the abuse she endured, through to her courageous decision to leave him in 1976 and forge a path as a solo artist. With powerhouse numbers like ‘River Deep, Mountain High’, ‘Private Dancer’, ‘Better Be Good To Me’, ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’, ‘Simply The Best’, and many more, the energy is infectious. It is nearly impossible not to sing along or dance in the aisles during the show.

Significantly, this was one of Tina Turner's final creative projects before her passing. She was actively involved in its development, from the script to the staging and it shows. The result is a deeply heartfelt tribute that honours both her incredible talent and her resilience.

On this performance, we had the pleasure of seeing Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi in the titular role, and she was extraordinary. N’Zuzi captures Tina’s raw emotion, unrelenting drive, and unmistakable voice with remarkable authenticity. The entire ensemble delivered high-energy, heartfelt performances that brought Tina’s story vividly to life. TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is a powerful celebration of a woman who broke boundaries, redefined genres, and became one of the best-selling artists of all time.

TINA: The Tina Turner Musical runs at the Lyceum until Saturday, 20th September with limited tickets remaining here.