Preview: TINA – The Tina Turner Musical at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical 

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 3 to Saturday 14 March 2026

The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll is ready to reign over Newcastle this March. From Tuesday 3 to Saturday 14 March 2026, Newcastle Theatre Royal will shake to the electrifying power of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, as this West End mega-hit makes its triumphant return to the North East.

This is no ordinary jukebox musical. While many productions about musical legends fall into the trap of prioritising spectacle over substance, or abandoning narrative halfway through for a glorified concert, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical takes its cues from the acclaimed 1993 film What's Love Got To Do With It, delivering a powerful, unflinching portrait of one of music's most extraordinary journeys. It's a production that honours both the artist and the woman behind the legend, tracing the turbulent, triumphant life of Anna Mae Bullock from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into an international icon.

The story begins in the Deep South, where a young girl sang too loudly in church and dreamed of something bigger than the small-town life that surrounded her. From those modest origins, the musical charts Tina's discovery by Ike Turner, their explosive creative partnership, the darkness of an abusive relationship, and ultimately her resurrection as a solo artist who would go on to win twelve Grammy Awards and conquer the world's biggest stages. It's a narrative arc that encompasses heartbreak and hope, despair and determination, defeat and ultimate victory.

When TINA – The Tina Turner Musical played at Sunderland Empire last year, our reviewer was struck by the production's emotional authenticity. The audience's audible gasp during a scene depicting domestic violence demonstrated the visceral power of this staging, which refuses to sanitise or sentimentalise Tina's experiences. As noted in our March 2025 review, this is not merely a concert celebrating a legendary artist but rather "a powerful, emotional rollercoaster that traces the life and career of Tina Turner from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her rise as an international superstar."

The musical brilliantly captures both the personal and professional struggles that defined Tina's life, showcasing the trials, triumphs, and sheer resilience that made her a symbol of strength and perseverance for generations. It's about a woman who didn't just break the rules of what was expected of her – she rewrote them entirely, defying the bounds of age, gender, and race to achieve superstardom against impossible odds.

The production doesn't shy away from the complexity of this relationship, presenting Ike as more than a one-dimensional villain while never excusing his behaviour. The chemistry between cast members creates a cohesive, powerful experience that draws audiences deep into the emotional landscape of Tina's journey. Local talent also shines in this production, with young performers bringing enthusiasm and authenticity to the early years of Anna Mae's life.

The production values are spectacular. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of Tina's iconic hits – including The Best, What's Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer, and River Deep, Mountain High – the musical delivers the high-energy performances fans expect while using these beloved songs to illuminate key moments in Tina's story. Each number is meticulously choreographed, with the legendary moves and signature style that made Tina Turner a force of nature on stage.

The staging captures different eras with impressive attention to detail, from the intimate clubs of the early years to the massive stadium spectacles of Tina's solo career. Lighting, costume, and sound design work in perfect harmony to transport audiences through decades of music history, while never losing sight of the human story at the centre of it all.

What makes TINA – The Tina Turner Musical particularly special is its refusal to take the easy route that many biographical musicals follow. This isn't a show that tells a story in act one before giving up and turning into a concert in act two. Instead, it maintains its narrative integrity throughout, using Tina's music not as mere nostalgia but as a genuine expression of her emotional journey. The songs become windows into her soul, moments of triumph, cries of pain, and ultimately, anthems of survival and reinvention.

The musical explores themes that resonate far beyond Tina's individual experience. It's a story about finding your voice in a world that tries to silence you, about reclaiming your identity when others seek to define you, and about the transformative power of art to heal and empower. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt trapped, diminished, or written off, showing that it's never too late to take control of your own narrative and write a new chapter.

The production is recommended for ages fourteen and above, with content warnings for scenes depicting domestic violence, strong language, racist language, gunshots, haze, strobe lighting, and loud music. These elements are handled with care and purpose, serving the story rather than sensationalising it. The running time is two hours and forty-five minutes including an interval, giving the production the space it needs to fully explore Tina's remarkable life without feeling rushed or superficial.

Newcastle Theatre Royal provides the perfect setting for this explosive production. The venue's historic grandeur and excellent acoustics will showcase the musical's powerful score to maximum effect, while the intimate connection between stage and audience will intensify the emotional impact of Tina's story. With evening performances at 7.30pm and matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm, there are multiple opportunities to experience this extraordinary show across its twelve-day run.

For theatre-goers in the North East, this represents a rare opportunity to see a West End production of this calibre on their doorstep. TINA – The Tina Turner Musical opened in London's West End to critical acclaim and has been captivating audiences ever since. The touring production brings all the energy, emotion, and expertise of the original to regional audiences, with a cast and creative team committed to delivering the same world-class experience that made the show a smash hit.

Whether you're a lifelong Tina Turner fan who grew up with her music, a theatre enthusiast who appreciates powerful storytelling, or someone discovering her story for the first time, this musical offers something genuinely special. It's a celebration of an icon, yes, but more importantly, it's a celebration of the indomitable human spirit, the courage to leave behind what's toxic, and the power of reinvention at any age.

As our reviewer concluded after the Sunderland Empire production, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical creates an experience where audiences feel they're "not just watching a musical — they're witnessing Tina Turner's legacy unfold right before their eyes." It's theatre that inspires, music that moves, and a story that resonates long after the final curtain call.

This is your chance to discover the heart and soul behind the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, to experience the soundtrack that defined generations, and to witness an exhilarating celebration of a woman who dared to dream fiercely and conquer the world. Simply the best? Without question.

Tickets:

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical runs at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 14 March 2026. Tickets are priced from £39.00 to £51.00 depending on the performance. Evening performances are at 7.30pm, with matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm. Book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or call the box office. Tickets are selling fast, so book early to secure your seats for this must-see production.

Read our full review of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical from its Sunderland Empire run at http://www.northeasttheatreguide.co.uk/2025/03/review-tina-tina-turner-musical-at.html