West End hit ‘Tina – The Tina Turner Musical’ will come to Leicester’s Curve theatre this March as part of a national tour.
Producer Tali Pelman tells us what we can expect from this epic show, which stands as a proud tribute to the life and legacy of the late ‘Queen of Rock and Roll’.
Picture credit: Curve
Musical icon Tina Turner passed away in May 2023, after a life of glittering success and legendary hits – ‘What’s Love Got to do with it’, ‘Nutbush City Limits’ and ‘The Best’ to name but a few. But her life was also one littered with hardship, including years of abuse at the hands of her husband (and musical partner) Ike Turner.
Tali Pelman was lucky enough to meet Tina as part of the production process, and to work with her in crafting the show.
“ I promised Tina the evening we first met that we would be true to her story and would not dilute those experiences that she had to overcome – experiences which made her who she was.“
“Katori Hall, Phyllida Lloyd and I were very careful when crafting those beats in Tina’s story, so that we reflected the reality of her life (including her life as a young girl initially abandoned by both her parents) very sensitively,” she tells Pukaar.
“Tina was one of the most grounded, generous and optimistic people I will ever meet. She was deeply involved in the show. Uniquely she understood that she had to give us artistic freedom to tell her life story and grant us unfiltered access to her memories, so that we could channel her identity and capture her powerful message.”
Picture credit: Tali Pelman
Despite hard times, the show highlights the singer’s incredible power, determination and charisma on stage.
Written by Olivier and Pulitzer prize-winning playwright, Katori Hall, it travels through multiple decades and countries, exploring each stage of Tina’s incredible life and career.
“Tina moves people. I have yet to find another musical that offers both entertainment and such meaning,” says Tali, of the show.
“It is rare to find a true story of such drama and consequence, together with a song book that is so beloved. It was a joy to produce it and bring the author and creative team together. I’ve been in this business for decades, and shows such as this one don’t come along often!”
So what did Tina herself think of the show? Tali is proud to deliver her response.
“She loved the show. On the first preview she told me that we ‘found the love’, and that she wished Ike and her Mom would have seen it. That made me cry.
“Tina forged her career in the UK so taking this show out on the road was always very important to her. I know she would have been thrilled. In her concerts, Tina gave everything she had to her audiences. I can assure you we do the same!”
Tina comes to Curve between March 6 and 22.
Visit www.curveonline.co.uk to find out more.
