The Harder They Come

“It’s is truly refreshing in its bare bones approach and is exactly what the West End needs to move forward”.

The Harder They Come is a brave and unique musical now appearing at the West End’s Playhouse Theatre in London. The production, based on the seventies film classic, is a triumph not only for black talent in the UK but for the West End itself.

The production has a hugely organic feel to it. Here you will find no fancy costumes or extravagant sets but a cast already on stage, just hanging out, about to perform something that they clearly love. Follow that with some classic tunes, such as You Can Get It If You Really Want and the Rivers of Babylon, performed by some exceptional talent, and you know from the start that you are in for an easy and enjoyable ride. However, let it be known that there is nothing easy or indeed casual about the staging of this production. If you look beneath its slightly chaotic approach you realise that this is a very cleverly directed piece of theatre that is created to look natural in its approach at every stage. It is this honesty that adds to the uniqueness of the show and allows it to stand tall against the more glamorous of West End shows. It’s is truly refreshing in its bare bones approach and is exactly what the West End needs to move forward.

Of the highly talented cast Rolan Bell, the lead, has to be mentioned. His no thrills approach to the role of Ivan and genuine enjoyment shines through. Bell has the ability to fill the stage the moment he hits it, particularly as he moves. His arms and legs appear like great windmills on stage oozing X factor with every turn. The stupendous voice of Joanna Francis who plays Elsa also deserves a mention. She is the emotional heart of the production that can at times have some rough edges. Notable performances that stood out also came from Susan Lawson-Reynolds as the infamous Pinky- proof that there is no such thing as a small role in any performance.

So, if you want fancy a night out at the theatre with a difference and would like to see some theatre history in the making, combined with some classic Jamaican tunes, then get yourself down to The Harder They Come. It is a night and an experience not to be missed!
www.thehardertheycomelondon.com

 “Bell has the ability to fill the stage the moment he hits it, particularly as he moves. His arms and legs appear like great windmills on stage oozing X factor with every turn”.