In Rehearsals With ‘The Harder They Come’ at Stratford East
Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic
Stratford East is a leader in London’s theatre scene when it comes to staging dynamic new productions. Their latest upcoming production is The Harder They Come, a brilliant reggae musical based on the cult film of the same name. Without too many spoilers, this musical 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.
With both the original music by Reggae star Jimmy Cliff and brand new additional songs, this musical is the UK premiere, adapted for the stage by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess) and directed by Olivier Award-winner Matthew Xia (Tambo & Bones, Skeleton Crew). This production also has Set Designer Simon Kenny and Costume Designer Jessica Cabassa, who have brilliantly encapsulated the time capsule of 1970’s Jamaica. This production is “bringing a 2025 lens to the events of 1970” and undergoes a piercing review of what is the personal cost of fighting against systemic injustice and the price of fame. Simon-Anthony Rhoden also spoke of this revived production forming a “grittier, much more nuanced take on modern politics and the world we live in currently.”
The vibrant cast of The Harder They Come features Natey Jones in the lead role of Ivan, with Jason Pennycooke as the Preacher, Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Pedro, and Thomas Vernal as Mr. Hilton. Madeline Charlemagne takes on the role of Elsa, joined by Josie Benson as Daisy and Craig Blake as Ray. Danny Bailey stars as José, while the talented ensemble includes Chanice Alexander-Burnett (also Cover Elsa), Lauren Azania, Ashh Blackwood, Lori Barker (On-stage Swing), Aisha Davis (Cover Daisy), Kage Douglas (On-stage Swing), Robert Grose (Cover Ray & José), Jack Matthew (Cover Pedro), Newtion Matthews (Cover Preacher & Hilton), and Marcellus Whyte (Cover Ivan). With such a powerhouse cast of performers and covers, this production is set to deliver unforgettable performances night after night.
The two songs that were performed for us were truly phenomenal and led to full body goosebumps throughout. “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and "Many Rivers to Cross”. To quote multiple cast members, “this show is all about celebrating the beauty that is Black British Talent”. Cast Member Thomas Vernal, playing Mr Hilton, also encapsulates the wonderful vibes of this show by having so many favourite moments he was unable to choose a specific event in the show he enjoyed the most.
Even from the short rehearsal I attended this is clearly one musical that will go down in history. Tickets are selling out fast so if you wish to see this legendary film brought to the stage then I recommend you move as fast as possible before it sells out!
The Harder They Come plays at Stratford East Theatre from 13 Sept - 25 Oct 2025.
