REVIEW: Brisbane goes wild for TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

The Tina Turner Musical has taken Brisbane by storm at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre, complete with stunning visuals, powerhouse performances, and an emotional journey through her life.

Ruva Ngwenya as Tina Turner at QPAC. Photo: QPAC.

It’s been about 12 hours since I walked out of the QPAC Lyric Theatre after watching “TINA: The Tina Turner Musical,” and I just can’t stop smiling.

There’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of a packed QPAC theatre rising to their feet to perform the Aussie school disco classic, the Nutbush.

This show is part theatre, part concert, and it absolutely delivers on both fronts.

It transports the audience back to Tina Turner’s childhood in Nutbush, Tennessee, and takes us through the pivotal moments of her life with an in-depth and heartfelt narrative.

One of the most unforgettable moments was when the whole crowd started chanting “TINA, TINA” at the top of their lungs, before leading lady Ruva Ngwenya belted out the opening lines of “The Best”.

Ruva Ngwenya as Tina Turner at QPAC. Photo: QPAC.

On a night when the Broncos played at Suncorp Stadium, it felt like a moment of pure city pride as the sold-out crowd sang the words we’ve come to know as an NRL anthem, despite the Broncos’ tough loss against the Panthers.

The production was a feast for the senses.

There were lights, fireworks, smoke machines — everything you’d imagine a real Tina Turner concert to have, an experience I, unfortunately, never had the chance to witness first-hand.

Everything about this show was exceptional: the set design, the actors, the choreography, the singing, and the costumes.

Oh, the outfits! The sequins, the fringing, the denim jackets, the leather dresses — I found myself wanting to take home the lead actress’s entire wardrobe.

The show wasn’t just about stunning visuals and high-energy performances; it was also deeply emotional.

While many of us remember Turner as the queen of rock and roll, the musical doesn’t shy away from depicting the hardships she endured throughout her life. It was a poignant reminder of her resilience and strength.

The musical is packed with Turner’s biggest hits.

But unlike some musicals where songs feel shoehorned in, every number in “TINA” is seamlessly woven into the storyline, allowing the music flow naturally from one scene to the next.

Ruva Ngwenya (Tina) and Giovanni Adams (Ike) pictured at South Bank, Brisbane 26th June 2024. Picture: Josh Woning

Ruva Ngwenya, as Tina Turner, carried the entire show with grace and power.

She captured Turner’s mannerisms perfectly, from her iconic dance moves to her distinct accent.

Ngwenya’s spirited personality filled the Lyric theatre, and her vocal performance was in a league of its own.

She handled the demanding score with ease, delivering a performance that was both powerful and refined.

Her acting was equally impressive, particularly in the intense scenes with Ike.

Giovanni Adams gave a phenomenal performance as abusive ex-husband, Ike Turner, convincingly portraying one of the most unlikeable characters to ever grace the stage.

But an absolute standout was Jayme-Lee Hanekom as Alline.

Her cheeky demeanour and infectious giggle left the audience spellbound, providing much-needed moments of levity.

Ruva Ngwenya (Tina) and the Ikettes Jayme-Lee Hanekom, Rebecca Selley, Tigist Strode pictured at South Bank, Brisbane 26th June 2024. They’re part of the Tina Turner the musical at QPAC. Picture: Josh Woning

There were a few minor microphone issues in the first act, and at times the vocal power seemed slightly subdued in our Tina, perhaps to ensure a balanced ensemble sound. However, these small hiccups did little to detract from the overall magnificence of the performances.

Walking out of the theatre, I wasn’t alone in my joy and amazement — words like “unbelievable” and “terrific” echoed among my fellow theatregoers.

“TINA: The Tina Turner Musical” is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with exceptional performances and stunning visuals.

It’s a powerful tribute to Tina Turner’s legacy, leaving you uplifted and inspired.

If you get the chance to see it, don’t miss out – It’s simply the best.

Originally published as REVIEW: Brisbane goes wild for TINA: The Tina Turner Musical