Archive · 2 Oct 2025
Musical Adaptation of 'The Harder They Come' is Triumphant
Imagine a musical based on a classic movie about a singer from Jamaica!
This new play tells the story of Ivan, a young man who dreams of becoming a famous singer.
He moves to the city, but things get tough, and he gets involved in crime.
The play is full of great reggae songs like "You Can Get It If You Really Want."
The actors sing and dance wonderfully, and the show is full of energy.
It's a fun and exciting experience, with amazing singing and costumes!
The play is an adaptation of the 1972 film, 'The Harder They Come'.
The story follows a singer-songwriter named Ivan in Jamaica.
The musical includes reggae classics such as "You Can Get it if You Really Want".
The play features performances by Natey Jones and Madeline Charlemagne.
It's showing at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, London.
- Who
- The musical adaptation features a cast of performers.
- What
- A stage adaptation of the film 'The Harder They Come'.
- When
- The play is running until November 1st.
- Where
- Theatre Royal Stratford East, London.
- Why
- To honor the cinematic landmark and create a vibrant piece of musical theatre.
- Original Film
- Released in 1972, brought reggae to the world
- Playwright
- Suzan-Lori Parks
- Director
- Matthew Xia
- Choreographer
- Shelley Maxwell
- Starring
- Natey Jones as Ivan and Madeline Charlemagne as Elsa
- Location
- Theatre Royal Stratford East, London
- Dates
- Until November 1st