THE HARDER THEY COME

Name: THE HARDER THEY COME
Start: 2025-09-13T00:00:00
End: 2025-11-01T23:59:00
Location: Stratford East

Stratford East

Run Dates

2025.09.13 ~ 2025.11.01

Stratford East

About the show

Based on the cult classic film that brought reggae to the world, THE HARDER THEY COME tells the story of Ivan, an aspiring singer who arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, determined to live out his dreams on his own terms and make it as a music superstar. After cutting a record deal with a manipulative music mogul, Ivan learns that the game is rigged and becomes increasingly defiant. As his star rises, he finds himself topping the charts and the most-wanted list of criminals. This unmissable show transports audiences to 1970s Jamaica and asks us the question: "What is the personal cost of fighting against systemic injustice?"

Details

CREATIVE Book and Additional New Songs: Suzan-Lori Parks Songs by Jimmy Cliff Directed by Matthew Xia Set Designer: Simon Kenny Costume Designer: Jessica Cabassa Lighting Designer: Ciarán Cunningham Live Sound Designer: Tony Gayle Sound Designer (Sound Effects & Soundscape): Nicola T. Chang Choreographer & Intimacy Director: Shelley Maxwell Video Designer: Gino Ricardo Green Musical Director and Vocal Arrangements: Ashton Moore Orchestrator & Music Arrangements: Benjamin Kwasi Burrell Assistant Musical Director & Keys 2: Luke Bacchus Casting Director: Heather Basten Casting Associate: Louisa Smith Casting Assistant: Joyce Lulendo Costume Supervisor: Claire Nicolas Fight Director: Claire Llewellyn for RC Annie Voice and Dialect Coach: Aundrea Fudge Assistant Director: Emily Aboud WHAM Designer & Supervisor: Dominique Hamilton Associate Choreographer: Renee McDonald Production Manager: Andy Reader Company Stage Manager: Marie-Angelique St. Hill Deputy Stage Manager: Emily Davies Assistant Stage Managers: Emily Mei-Ling Pearce & Dynzell Muguti Creative and Cultural Consultant: Justine Henzell Based upon the film, produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone CAST Ensemble/Cover Elsa: Chanice Alexander-Burnett Ensemble: Lauren Azania José: Danny Bailey Ensemble/On stage Swing: Lori Barker Daisy: Josie Benson Ensemble: Ashh Blackwood Ray: Craig Blake Elsa: Madeline Charlemagne Ensemble/Cover Daisy: Aisha Davis Ensemble/On stage Swing: Kage Douglas Ensemble/Cover Ray & José: Robert Grose Ivan: Natey Jones Ensemble/Cover Pedro: Jack Matthew Ensemble/Cover Preacher & Hilton: Newtion Matthews Preacher: Jason Pennycooke Pedro: Simon-Anthony Rhoden Mr. Hilton: Thomas Vernal Ensemble/Cover Ivan: Marcellus Whyte BAND MD/Keys 1: Ashton Moore AMD/Keys 2: Luke Bacchus Guitar: Shirley Tetteh Bass: Derrick Taylor Drums: Marley Drummond Percussion: Will Miles Trumpet: Grifton Forbes-Amos Trombone: Nathaniel Cross production photo ©Danny Kaan

Where it's been performed

Stratford East

London

United Kingdom

London

United Kingdom

Find Out More

About the show

Details