TINA – The Tina Turner Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Sue Rumble
The moving story of Tina Turner’s extraordinary life and career made into a fantastic musical full of Tina’s well known and less known songs. This is the whole story of her life not just the story of her success and her music.
Based on a book by Katori Hall her story was also made into a film in 1993.
Milton Keynes Theatre is a lovely large theatre with a few places inside to eat & drink and numerous bars and restaurants nearby. Lots of parking nearby with some free spaces after 6.00 in Central Milton Keynes and a multi-story car park opposite – payable.
Wow what a story. As a small child Tina (real name Anna Mae Bullock) lived with her family in Tennessee and watched her mother in an abusive relationship. She always loved singing enthusiastically and did this in church – much to the disgust of her Mum. Her Mum eventually left the family home taking Tina’s sister with her but leaving Tina with her father until when she was 17 her sister asked her to come & live with them in St Louis.
They went out for the night to a club and she met Ike Turner – an artist and manager. He took Tina on as he saw a star in her but the bullying started immediately. He changed her name to Tinal Turner. Tina let the bullying go as she wanted to make it but she wasn’t allowed to sing the songs she wanted – he ruled her life. She became very close to one of the band members but Ike put an end to that by forcing her into marriage.
The relationship became more abusive with constant beatings and people kept telling her to leave. She eventually did this but struggled to earn a living for her and her two sons. Ike’s old manager Rhonda went with her and after years she encouraged her to restart her career. This was a difficult journey but in the 80’s Tina rose to fame again with her iconic songs and her first number one hit.
This was a very powerful, emotional and high energy but also fun show with some funny moments and one liners. The whole cast were amazing. The role of Tina was played by Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi – she was brilliant and we lived every moment with her – what a brilliant actress and fantastic voice.
At the end of the first half she was left on stage with a bloodied face – such an emotional scene – the audience were left stunned. Ike – played by David King-Yombo was absolutely brilliant – both charming and violent – he turned his character in an instant. I would also like to mention to Lola McCourtie who played the young Anna Mae – she certainly stole the stage and was an amazing singer and so full of energy.
Costumes and make up were correct for the times and Tina’s iconic hair of the 80’s looked the part – her Mum not a fan when she visited her in hospital. The band were brilliant – some great guitar and saxophone players. The choreography was dazzling – absolutely full of energy – I don’t know how the cast can do this so many times each week.
The show was directed by Phyllida Lloyd – great job.
This is a must see show for everyone – it is an overwhelming story of how to overcome hardship and battles to come through and achieve your dreams. The audience certainly go through a whole range of emotions from start to finish. Tina Turner is one inspirational lady.
Rating: 5/5
Running – 27th January 2026 to 7th February 2026
Price of Tickets – £42 to £88
Running Time – 2hrs 45 Minutes including interval
Book tickets – Tina – The Tina Turner Musical Tickets Calendar | January 2026 | Schedule for Milton Keynes Theatre
Tel: 01908 547625
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. MK9 3NZ
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/tina-the-tina-turner-musical/milton-keynes-theatre/?