Tina, Aldwych Theatre

From humble beginings in the 'Nutbush City Limits' to Rock and Roll world domination, Tina Turner's life story comes to the stage for 2018 in a new musical. Tina celebrates a star who refused to be limited or defined by her age, race or gender.

And this is no diluted, distant fan project: Tina Turner herself is behind the new musical:

'I am so excited to be bringing my musical to the West End!' She says. 'London is a place that means so much to me and had such a big impact on my music and my life. Returning now to tell my full story, in the city I love, feels like an important chapter and is truly exciting.'

The rest of the creative team has a strong track history of hits. American writer Katori Hall has already made her name in London with Olivier-winning play The Mountaintop (Theatre503, 2009), which transferred to first the West End then Broadway. Multi-award-winning Phyllida Lloyd, who is known for international blockbuster Mama Mia the Musical and the Donmar's bold all-female Shakespeare Trilogy, directs.

The songs for this new musical come, of course, from Turner's rich back catalogue. There's over 50 years of hits to chose from and, though details of specific tracks are under wraps, we're hoping for a selection of 'Simply The Best' anthems, arranged to reflect the highs and lows of Turner's life.

Along with the glittery mini-dresses, big hair and 11 Grammy awards is an extraordinary story of success. Born Anna Mae Bullock into poverty and instability she was drawn to the budding RnB club scene in St Louis. There, a very young Anna Mae met rock'n'roller Ike Turner. Soon they were a double act, on and off stage. But as Tina's musical career exploded, so did Ike's jealousy and their relationship grew darker and more toxic.

The notorious abuse did not defeat Turner, though. She divorced Ike and worked towards solo-stardom.

Turner chronicled her experience with honesty in her autobiography I, Tina. It was then adapted into hit 1993 film What's Love Got To Do With It. We look forward to seeing how the story and the songs come to life on stage.