Latest news with #AldwychTheatre
South Wales Guardian
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Tina Turner musical to close in London's West End after seven years
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, which will see TV presenter Fleur East and theatre actor Karis Anderson star as Turner from June 24, is the longest-running production in the Aldwych Theatre's history. The musical will make its final West End bow on September 13, having been put together in association with the late singer, and telling her life story from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into a rock-and-roll star. Speaking about the show's cancellation, producer Tali Pelman said: 'The decision to close our West End production has been extremely difficult. 'Celebrating and sharing Tina's legacy has meant so much to all of us who have been working on this show over the last decade. 'We are proud to have fulfilled Tina's dream for the musical, which was to serve not only as a reminder of her work but as the beating heart of her empowering message – courage, indomitable spirit and an eternal optimism in what is possible. 'We are grateful to our exceptional authors and creatives, to the many extraordinary women who have played this phenomenal role on the Aldwych stage, to the casts, musicians, production and backstage teams, and to the countless others who have dedicated themselves to the London production over the past 10 years. 'We are delighted that the show is selling out on tour across the UK and Ireland, and continues to elate audiences in productions across North America, Europe and around the world. 'In London this will be a summer of celebration, led by our glorious duo of Karis Anderson and Fleur East in our final West End cast.' The show premiered in the West End in April 2018 and since then productions have opened in North America, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia, with a Brazilian production opening in February 2026. Turner achieved 11 UK top 10 songs and two UK number one albums, having begun her career with her then husband Ike Turner releasing songs such as River Deep, Mountain High, Nutbush City Limits and Tell Her I'm Not Home. The star went on to achieve global success with her solo career which saw her release songs such as What's Love Got To Do With It?, The Best and Private Dancer.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tina Turner musical to end on West End as Strictly star joins final cast
The Aldwych Theatre in London's West End has been home to Tina - the Tina Turner Musical for seven years but Fleur East and Karis Anderson will lead its final cast later this year The musical depicting Tina Turner's life and career in the West End will end this year. It comes following the news of a cast change, with a former Strictly Come Dancing star set to be part of the final line-up. Tina - The Tina Turner Musical has run at the Aldwych Theatre in London for seven years, after having debuted at the theatre in 2018. The production of the show, which tells the "untold story" of Tina Turner 's rise to stardom alongside her music, is, however, set to end on September 13. The news comes following the announcement last month that Fleur East, 37, is joining the cast. The performer - who paid tribute to Tina on Strictly in 2023, a year after she competed on the BBC show - will make her debut in June. Between June 24 until the final show, Fleur will share the title role with current cast member Karis Anderson, 35, with the radio host performing at select performances during that period. Karis has portrayed the late singer in the show since 2023 and shares the role with Zoe Birkett, 39, who will leave prior to Fleur's debut over the summer, at the moment. Producers confirmed that the jukebox musical will conclude its West End production in five months time on social media yesterday. They expressed gratitude to fans for their support over the years and noted that the show is continuing to "elate audiences" in productions elsewhere. The news was shared alongside a statement from a producer. A post on the show's Instagram account read: "After 7 triumphant years, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical will be playing it's final West End performance on Saturday 13 September 2025. "Thank you to each and every one of you who has celebrated Tina Turner's life with us over the years. We are delighted that the show is selling out on tour across the UK and Ireland and continues to elate audiences in productions across North America, Europe and around the world." Tali Pelman, one of the producers, said: "Celebrating and sharing Tina's legacy has meant so much to all of us who have been working on this show over the last decade. We are proud to have fulfilled Tina's dream for the musical, which was to serve not only as a reminder of her work but as the beating heart of her empowering message." The producer went on to confirm that Fleur and Karis will be part of the final West End cast. Tali said: "London, this will be a summer of celebration, led by our glorious duo of Karis Anderson and Fleur East in our final West End cast." Following the announcement, fans took to the comments section to share their thoughts. One response to the post on Instagram read: "We're so sad! What an amazing musical with so much heart and soul. Let's see it out in style!" Another said: "This is so sad. One of my favourite shows to watch when I visit London! You've built a brilliant legacy." Someone else wrote: "Sad to hear this - I thought it would run longer. Sending all the amazing cast a big hug." It wasn't just fans who reacted to the post though, with some actors connected to the production also reaching out. Among them was Karis who shared emojis depicting hands in the shape of hearts, whilst Fleur put heart emojis.
Leader Live
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Tina Turner musical to close in London's West End after seven years
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, which will see TV presenter Fleur East and theatre actor Karis Anderson star as Turner from June 24, is the longest-running production in the Aldwych Theatre's history. The musical will make its final West End bow on September 13, having been put together in association with the late singer, and telling her life story from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into a rock-and-roll star. Speaking about the show's cancellation, producer Tali Pelman said: 'The decision to close our West End production has been extremely difficult. 'Celebrating and sharing Tina's legacy has meant so much to all of us who have been working on this show over the last decade. 'We are proud to have fulfilled Tina's dream for the musical, which was to serve not only as a reminder of her work but as the beating heart of her empowering message – courage, indomitable spirit and an eternal optimism in what is possible. 'We are grateful to our exceptional authors and creatives, to the many extraordinary women who have played this phenomenal role on the Aldwych stage, to the casts, musicians, production and backstage teams, and to the countless others who have dedicated themselves to the London production over the past 10 years. 'We are delighted that the show is selling out on tour across the UK and Ireland, and continues to elate audiences in productions across North America, Europe and around the world. 'In London this will be a summer of celebration, led by our glorious duo of Karis Anderson and Fleur East in our final West End cast.' The show premiered in the West End in April 2018 and since then productions have opened in North America, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia, with a Brazilian production opening in February 2026. Turner achieved 11 UK top 10 songs and two UK number one albums, having begun her career with her then husband Ike Turner releasing songs such as River Deep, Mountain High, Nutbush City Limits and Tell Her I'm Not Home. The star went on to achieve global success with her solo career which saw her release songs such as What's Love Got To Do With It?, The Best and Private Dancer.
Time Out
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical' will close on the West End after seven years
It's been some time since a really big West End musical has closed on us, but alas: Tina – The Tina Turner Musical has just announced that it'll be ending its run this September after seven years at the Aldwych Theatre. That's no mean feat – a handful of behemoths like Les Mis have enjoyed decades-long runs, but with its mix of massive pop hits and gripping true story, the autobiographical Tina has enjoyed a lifespan far greater than the average musical, and it must stand as one of the more successful jukebox shows in history, beaten only by Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You, Buddy and Jersey Boys. It certainly feels like it opened in a different world – legendary rock singer Turner was still with us on its press night, where she made one of her final public appearances. Now it's due to be off, but it leaves in good order, with a final four months left to go before it departs London as the longest running show to ever play the 1,200-seat Aldwych. On the plus side, where one door closes another opens and we're liable to see something new at the theatre shortly thereafter. There is no word yet on what it'll be and the the usual theatre rumour mills are largely stumped: historically the Aldwych tends to to play host to musicals, though a play could easily plug the gap temporarily; there are a lot of Broadway hits sloshing around that could easily move in, or a new show like A Knight's Tale, currently having out of town tryouts in Manchester. Tina announcing its departure strongly suggests the next show is a done deal, however, and we'll probably hear something about the next one relatively soon.
