Soul Sister Review

Soul Sister
Savoy Theatre, London

24 August – 29 September 2012

Reviewed by Dorothy White

The Savoy Theatre, described as the most beautifully fitted theatre in Europe, first opened in October 1881.  In June 1929 the Victorian Auditorium was demolished and a fantastic newly designed and decorated theatre took its place.  In February 1990 the auditorium was destroyed by fire.  It was quickly and carefully restored to the vision of 1929.  It is a truly magnificent theatre, totally underground apart from the foyer.

Soul Sister tells the story of what happened when Anna Mae Bullock, a young singer travelled to East St Louis in 1956 and auditioned for Ike Turner.  History was made!

With virtually no props or scenery the actors portrayed the story of Tina Turner’s humble beginnings, rise to fame, far from perfect marriage until the time she could take no more.

Slick scene changes with the use of two moving panels, pictures projected onto the on-stage screen, voiceovers, musicians live on stage, dancers/backing singers all helped create the magic.

The two people who stood out most for me were Emi Wokoma, who played Tina Turner, her voice was amazing, and Hannah Fairclough, who was fantastic as Hattie and also a marvellous dancer/backing singer.  The rest of the cast were excellent but these two caught my eye!!

The audience willingly joined in, ‘Simply the Best’ had almost everyone on their feet singing and clapping.  Emi Wokoma looked and sounded like Tina Turner!

A truly great show and well worth going to see.

To book your tickets visit http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/soul-sister/savoy-theatre/