In another world, Jimmy Cliff’s ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ would have made a barnstorming musical theatre ‘I Want’ song. This musical adaptation of the late reggae pioneer's 1972 film – which premiered here in Stratford in 2005, and was reworked in New York in 2023 – makes that world a reality.
Stratford East announced full casting for THE HARDER THEY COME, the reggae musical adapted by Suzan-Lori Parks, returning for a new run with Natey Jones reprising his role as Ivan.
Natey Jones and Madeline Charlemagne are set to reprise their roles in the reggae musical THE HARDER THEY COME, returning to Stratford East from 16 May to 4 July 2026, with Chanice Alexander-Burnett joining as Elsa from 8 June.
Lead casting has been announced for the return of THE HARDER THEY COME at Stratford East, running May 16 through July 4, 2026. Directed by Matthew Xia, the production features a stage adaptation by Suzan-Lori Parks, based on the 1970s Jamaican film produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone.
The City of Miramar will host the 13th Annual Rhythms of Africa on April 18–19, 2026, featuring performances by JC Lodge, Richie Stephens, and Gem Myers, celebrating Jamaican culture and heritage.
The OffWestEnd Awards (Offies) have revealed their 2026 nominations, highlighting the best in independent theatre. The awards showcase a range of emerging and established talent in the Off-West End scene.
THE HARDER THEY COME will return to Theatre Royal Stratford East in 2026 following its 2025 run. The reggae musical is adapted by Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Matthew Xia, with performances scheduled from May 16 through July 4.
Stratford East will present the reggae musical The Harder They Come. The production is based on the cult Jamaican film produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone.
Theatre is, of course, a window on another world, often glitzier and brighter than our own, sometimes a reflection that can comfort or discomfit us and sometimes a portal into what it is to be human at all. It is an escape - and who can deny that we need such refuges more than ever - but it can be so much more than mere escapism. The best theatre of 2025 made those lofty promises - and kept them.
In the end, the choir’s music prevailed over any language barrier. The cavalcade of different voices kept the mostly full theatre dancing, raising their arms in agreement, and being moved by the power of things they couldn’t understand.
“You have to prepare your soul and clear your mind as you’re getting ready to go on. I ask myself, ‘why are you sending this message?’ and ‘what does the message mean to you today?’ every day before I go out on stage.” Mary Mulovhedzi
Stratford East has announced an extension for the critically acclaimed new production of THE HARDER THEY COME, the newly adapted reggae musical based on the cult Jamaican film of the same name.
One minute you’re in an East London street, the next you are immediately transported to early-1970s Kingston: the style, the sounds, the rhythms, the smell of ambition and frustration. The Harder They Come at Stratford East is a vivid, energetic production that honours the cult classic film while breathing new life into it.
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts announced that tickets for blues-rock sensation Joanne Shaw-Tayor will go on sale Friday, September 26 at 10 a.m.
Multi-Grammy and Emmy Award-winning SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR will return to North America. CAPA will welcome the SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR to the Southern Theatre for a concert this fall. Learn how to purchase tickets!
The new musical Goddess can currently be seen in its New York premiere production at the Public Theater on Lafayette Street. Directed by the Public’s associate artistic director and resident director Saheem Ali, who is currently Tony Award-nominated for directing Buena Vista Social Club, Goddess is playing at the Public’s largest space by capacity, the Newman Theatre.
With Abigail's Party directed by Nadia Fall beginning previews this week, launching Stratford East's 140th anniversary season, the theatre has announced new shows and events for this milestone year, and Fall's final season as the theatre's Artistic Director.
THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HITMAKERS runs 2 -11 August at Le Monde – Shanghai (venue 47). Learn more here!
THE BRAATA SINGERS will mark their 15th Anniversary with STILL STANDING, a jubilant Off-Broadway celebration of Caribbean music and folklore. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Center Stage Records will re-release four classic Jessica Molaskey albums – Pentimento, A Good Day, Make Believe, and Sitting in Limbo. Learn more about these albums and see how to listen!
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