A story of survival, reinvention and hard-won greatness, that is, The Tina Turner the Musical at Milton Keynes theatre until Saturday 7th February.

Tina the Legend

From its earliest conception to its West End debut and subsequent journey to Broadway and beyond, Tina Turner was a driving force behind this musical at every stage. Determined that her story be told in full, she insisted it confront the hardship and injustice she endured, not simply celebrate her success and iconic catalogue. As she famously declared on opening night: “We turned poison into medicine.”

The production reflects that intent with clarity and power. The set is deliberately minimal, allowing the storytelling to live squarely in the performances, while Jeff Sugg’s distorted, unfocused projections effectively establish mood and place. Mark Thompson’s costume and set designs chart the changing eras with precision, from dazzling performance wear to finely detailed everyday looks, complemented by flawless wigs, hair and makeup from Campbell Young Associates.

Performed by a near all-Black cast, the production gains an extraordinary richness of sound, with vocal harmonies deeply rooted in gospel and soul traditions that elevate the storytelling. The story opens in Tina’s childhood at her father’s Pentecostal church, alive with gospel joy, where her innate talent already sets her apart. This gives way to a turbulent home life, abandonment, and later her fateful meeting with Ike Turner, whose ambition draws her into a harrowing cycle of control, violence and exploitation. The musical does not shy away from this darkness, charting Tina’s eventual escape, reinvention and rise to legendary status.

The Magic of Tina

Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi is phenomenal in the title role. She captures Tina’s charisma in every detail, movement, posture, expression - while delivering electrifying dance sequences and a vocal performance of remarkable power. Though the role occasionally pushes her to its limits, her relentless energy makes it feel as though Tina herself is on stage, resulting in multiple spine-chilling moments. The ensemble is equally impressive, their harmonies exquisite, particularly when embodying figures from Tina’s early life, offering moments of warmth and emotional support amid the turmoil.

A must-mention too for Lola McCourtie as the young Anna Mae (aka Tina). She is a star in the making, delivering a fearless, bold, and beautifully assured performance.

Tina the Icon

Musically, the arrangements are strong, delivered by an excellent offstage band, though their invisibility felt like a missed opportunity in a show so rooted in live performance. While the soundtrack, featuring The Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, largely propels the narrative well, the production does suffer from pacing issues. Dialogue was occasionally difficult to follow due to the regional American accents, speed and sound balance, and there were lulls between major numbers where the momentum dipped. The show is long, and judicious cuts could sharpen its impact.

All is forgiven, however, in the breathtaking finale. As Tina finally claims her greatness, launching into Simply the Best and Nutbush City Limits, the theatre transforms into a full-blown stadium concert. It is thrilling, emotional, and deeply moving, a reminder of just how extraordinary Tina Turner was, and a bittersweet ache for never having seen her live. In those final moments, it feels as though we are truly there with her, witnessing her in all her glory. I could watch those last ten minutes again and again.

A must see - Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.