Review of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre

Music artist Tina Turner was a staple of the music network for a remarkable time, active as an artist for eight decades; her work is, or at the very least should be, familiar to every generation. Therefore, it was little surprise that in 2018, a stage musical of her work and life arrived upon the stage. You could say that for such an artist, it actually took longer than it should have to appear. Now, as part of its first UK & Ireland tour, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, it arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre for a two-week run. So, the question is, is it worthy of the legendary artist?

For those unfamiliar with any part of Tina Turner's life, the content of this stage musical telling her life story might be a surprise to an audience that grew up just listening to her music. It is an early commendation of the show that the show does not shy away from the themes of domestic abuse, racism and parental abandonment that Turner suffered through her life.

With all that rich and startling life history to tell, the book by Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar, and Kees Prins is a particularly tough and challenging watch, especially in the first act. Here, lead Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi’s performance as Tina goes through the trauma of life with Ike, a fellow performer who “discovers her” during one of his concerts, through to his domineering control of her life and eventual violence as well.

N’Zuzi is, without question, remarkable, from her first appearance to her stunning, concert-level curtain call. Her vocal performance is second to none. At its height early on, with the remarkable rendition of River Deep, Mountain High. Alongside the vocals is a stunning acting performance that, in equal measure, portrays Turner’s strength and the agony she suffers at the world around her.

Alongside her is a calculated and powerful performance by David King-Yombo as Ike Turner. King-Yombo has the thankless task of playing the role of Ike, predominantly an unimaginably horrible character, superbly crafted like a coiled spring. One moment violent and filled with resentment at Tina’s success, and then sorrowful at what he is.

Beyond the two leads, the characters are somewhat less detailed, with many caricatures or mere players in the background. Little is made of Turner’s first real love, Raymond Hill, played by Kyle Richardson, given little stage time to develop the character, as is Turner’s second husband, Erwin Bach, played by William Beckerleg, also somewhat of a side character in the story. Martin Allanson’s Phil Spector is a brief but eye-catching performance of the troubled music producer, which is elevated above the minor, poorly captured roles around the two main players.

There is a scene-stealing performance by the immense talent that is Lola McCourtie as young Anna Mae Bullock. She is captivating, full of energy and clearly loving being on stage. Without question, one to watch.

Also making the show worth watching are the stunning costumes by Mark Thompson, which simply drip the fashion of each individual decade, and the brilliant set-pieces of choreography by Anthony van Laast, filling the stage with energy from the ultra-talented ensemble.

For a jukebox musical, the use of Turner’s hits is much more carefully planned than many an iteration, formed early by the lovely usage of Don’t Turn Aound as the then Anna Mae Bullock prepares to leave her home and family. Others, less closely tied to the storyline, are carefully placed within the concert scenes, but many of these merge into events unfolding in Tina’s life to dramatic effect. Finally, whoever suggested placing I Can’t Stand The Rain into the show, just as the story arrives in London get some nodding winks of approval.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is recommended for its strong storytelling, despite at times being a little too busy, with some places lacking clarity and some poorly realised characters. However, the strength of the music and its use is immense, and it all rises to a spectacular crescendo, which doesn’t fail to raise the audience to its feet.

A gritty and moving telling of the music legend's life.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Wednesday 28th January, 2026 at the Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, 7th February 2026.

For further details about Milton Keynes, see their website at http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

For further details of the Tina tour, see the website at https://tinathemusical.com/uktour/

Photographs: Johan Persson