Tina Turner is one of the most iconic and influential singers in music history. Known for her powerhouse vocals and energetic stage presence, Turner rose to fame in the 1960s alongside her former husband Ike Turner as part of the R&B/soul duo Ike & Tina Turner. After her tumultuous marriage ended in the late 1970s, Turner launched a hugely successful solo career that spanned decades and cemented her status as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
In 2018, Turner’s remarkable life story was adapted into a Broadway musical titled Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. The show was a hit, garnering positive reviews and several Tony Award nominations. On the heels of its success on Broadway, the musical opened in London’s West End in early 2019. Now, after over three years of performances at the Aldwych Theatre in London, rumors have begun circulating that Tina: The Tina Turner Musical may be closing in the UK.
Background on Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical tells the inspirational story of the singer’s difficult childhood in Nutbush, Tennessee, her abusive relationship with Ike Turner, and her triumphant re-emergence as a global solo superstar in the 1980s. The musical features Turner’s most popular hits, including “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “Proud Mary,” “River Deep Mountain High,” and “Simply the Best.”
The book for the musical was written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins. Phyllida Lloyd directs, with choreography by Anthony Van Laast. Adrienne Warren played Tina Turner in both the Broadway and West End productions, earning rave reviews for her powerhouse performance.
After premiering on Broadway in Fall 2018, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre in April 2019. The West End production was also a success, recouping its costs after just 6 months. In 2021, the London production won Best New Musical at the Laurence Olivier Awards.
Rumors of Closing
In October 2022, nearly four years into the show’s London run, rumors began circulating that Tina: The Tina Turner Musical would soon be closing at the Aldwych Theatre.
Several UK news outlets reported that the production would end its West End run in early 2023. According to some sources, the final London performance would take place on January 14, 2023.
The closure rumors have not been officially confirmed by the musical’s producers or the theater. Representatives for Tina: The Tina Turner Musical have not commented on the speculation that the show is ending its London run.
As of mid-October 2022, tickets remain on sale through March 2023 on the musical’s official website. However, advanced ticket sales several months out do not guarantee that a long-running production will remain open. Shows sometimes post future ticket dates tentatively while deliberating over closure.
Factors Behind the Rumored Closure
If the reports of Tina’s imminent West End closure are true, there are several factors potentially contributing to the decision.
1. Opening of New Musicals
The West End is seeing a surge of new musical openings in 2023 which will increase competition for audiences. High-profile openings include & Juliet, Disney’s Frozen, and The Devil Wears Prada. Theaters have limited availability, so some existing shows have to close to make room for new ones.
2. Post-Pandemic Challenges
Like Broadway, London’s theater industry faces challenges rebuilding audiences post-lockdown. With tourists slow to return, attracting local attendance is tougher amidst economic uncertainties. Long-running shows have struggled to sustain sales.
3. Rising Costs
Soaring inflation in the UK has made operating costs for theatrical productions considerably higher, especially utilities. This squeezes profit margins for shows like Tina that have already recouped initial investments.
4. Limited Engagement?
Some sources suggest producers may have always intended Tina to have a limited engagement in the West End, allowing the show to end on a high note. Most musicals cannot sustain a long open-ended run.
5. US Tour Plans?
There are rumors of plans to launch a US tour in 2023/2024. If so, closing the London production may allow producers to focus on launching the tour.
Impact of Closing on London Theater
If Tina Turner musical indeed closes in London in early 2023, it will mark the end of an era for the West End production. The show has been a fixture at the Aldwych Theatre for nearly four years.
The closure would be a blow for the theater itself. Tina has been the Aldwych’s resident show since it opened. The 1,200 seat theater would likely stay dark for months until a new production takes over.
The producers would also have to lay off the cast and crew who have been with Tina for years. West End closures always impact the theater community.
But the London theater scene is resilient. While Tina’s run ending will be disappointing for fans, it makes room for new shows to emerge. The West End attracts over 15 million yearly ticket sales across 40+ theaters. One show closing does not signal trouble for the robust London theater industry.
The Future of Tina Turner Musical
If the London production of Tina ceases performances in early 2023 as rumored, it does not mark the end of the musical’s life.
The Broadway production continues its open-ended run at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, where it recently celebrated its 3rd anniversary. A US tour is likely in the future.
Overseas, productions of Tina are running successfully in Germany, The Netherlands, and Spain. The show had its Asian premiere in South Korea in late 2022.
So while the West End run may be ending, the musical can tour extensively. Creative teams are also likely discussing options for revivals or sit-down productions globally.
The rumor mill suggests the producers are collaborating with Tina Turner herself on ideas for keeping the musical fresh. New productions could feature an updated script, score, or direction. This allows the show to be remounted for years to come.
Tina Turner’s timeless music and remarkable life story will continue inspiring new iterations of the musical around the world. The London production may be closing, but this is not the final encore for Tina.
Conclusion
While the reports of Tina Turner musical closing in London remain unconfirmed, they have sparked concern amongst West End fans. The long-running production has been a staple at the Aldwych Theatre since 2019 but apparently faces challenges sustaining sales amidst increasing competition and costs.
If the rumors prove true and the show does close this winter, it will impact many theater workers and leave a hole in the West End. However, the London theater scene will endure this loss as it has others. Tina’s producers seem focused on launching new productions globally to keep Turner’s story resonating for years to come. Though the West End run appears to be ending, the musical’s impact and legacy will rock on.
Key Facts | Details |
---|---|
Show | Tina: The Tina Turner Musical |
Theater | Aldwych Theatre, London |
Opened | April 17, 2019 |
Rumored Closing | January 14, 2023 |
Creative Team | Book by Katori Hall, Direction by Phyllida Lloyd, Choreography by Anthony Van Laast |
London Cast | Adrienne Warren as Tina Turner |
Potential Factors in Closure | Explanation |
---|---|
Increased Competition | Many big musicals opening in London in 2023 |
Post-Pandemic Challenges | Difficulty rebuilding tourism and local audiences |
Rising Costs | Soaring inflation squeezing profit margins |
Limited Engagement | Potentially always meant to run for limited time in West End |
Tour Plans | Rumors of launching a US tour pulling focus |
Impact on London Theater | Notes |
---|---|
End of an Era | Show has run at Aldwych Theatre for nearly 4 years |
Dark Theater | Aldwych will likely be empty for months until new show |
Unemployed Workers | Cast, crew, and staff will need new jobs |
Resilient Scene | While disappointing, the West End will endure this closure |