Review: Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Palace Theatre

01 December 2025

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical plays at the Palace Theatre Manchester until 3rd January 2026

Review by Mix 56’s Rachel Aitken with Phil Roberts

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical brought extraordinary, electrifying energy to Manchester’s Palace Theatre, but let’s be clear: it’s much more than just a collection of hits.

For Mix 56 listeners who grew up blasting Tina’s anthems, this show hits different.

Every song – from Nutbush City Limits to Simply The Best – gains new meaning in context, and after tonight, even your favourite track will stop you in your tracks, making you think, “Crikey, what a journey!” (And yes, we’ll keep playing them—as long as our hearts can take it).

Leading the way, the actors playing Tina (Yes there’s more than one) embodies the grit and warmth of Tina Turner, delivering a performance that’s magnetic, raw, and joyously powerful.

Her transformation on stage is helped along by dazzling costumes, gravity-defying wigs, and Mark Thompson’s slick set design.

Anthony Van Laast’s choreography keeps the party moving, with ensemble numbers and iconic dance routines that leave the audience breathless.

But what starts out feeling like a jukebox celebration quickly grows into something deeper—an emotional journey through the racism, misogyny, and abuse that Tina overcame.

The show doesn’t shy away from showing the reality of being a woman of colour, or the challenge of fighting for a career at age 40.

Tina Turner The Musical MIX56 — Image: Mix56’s Rachel Aitken On The Red Carpet

It’s in gut-punch scenes with Ike Turner (played with chilling charisma by David King-Yombo), the tears shed at “I Don’t Wanna Fight” as Tina breaks free, and the warmth added by William Beckerleg’s Erwin Bach, her Aussie manager and second husband, that the true story comes alive.

The child performers, especially Sophia St. Louis as young Anna Mae, are a revelation, lighting up early scenes with irresistible energy.

Add in glorious choreography, vibrant lighting, and concert-style set pieces, and every emotional beat lands – the family traumas, personal transformation, and yes, a nod to Tina’s Buddhist faith, for those of us learning something new every day.

Tina Turner The Musical MIX56 until 3 January — Tina – The Tina Turner Musical plays at the Palace Theatre Manchester until 3rd January 2026

By the finale, the Palace Theatre is transformed—roof raised, audience up dancing (Mix 56 team included) and Tina’s triumph ringing through every cheer and standing ovation.

This wasn’t just a show—it was an experience.

And Mix 56 can’t wait to play those Tina classics with new emotion and respect.

If you think you know Tina’s story, think again. This one’s simply the best.

Header Image Credit: ATG Tickets/Palace Theatre/JOCHEBEL PRODUCTION

Live at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Sat 3 Jan 2026
Tickets from £15 plus booking fee
2hrs 45 including interval
Tickets from ATG Tickets

Smithy chats to Bree Smith

Paul smith chats to local actress Bree Smith who performs as an alternate for the lead role of Tina Turner in the stage musical TINA – The Tina Turner Musical.