Review: THE HARDER THEY COME, Stratford East - May 2026
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
Reggae music never fails to charm with its hypnotic rhythms and seductive melodies. They tease and torment the senses with the coolest of vibes. Allied to raw recording techniques reggae exploded in the 1970s with a plethora of commercial hits. Desmond Dekker, Johnny Nash and Bob Marley were at the vanguard of the genre; but it was Jimmy Cliff who gave reggae its soul with a string of classic songs including ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People', 'Many Rivers to Cross' and 'You Can Get It If You Really Want'. All three gems are included in this stage adaptation of the 1972 film which starred Jimmy Cliff.
Ivan (Natey Jones) is a country boy with big dreams when he lands in Kingston, Jamaica. A hit record, recording contract and pop stardom is on his wish list. But first, he needs to fund his ambition and runs into wheeler-dealer Jose (Danny Bailey). Ivan is set to work selling agricultural produce of a more specialist variety. The long arm of the law takes an interest, especially police chief Ray (Craig Blake). Meanwhile, Ivan is given lodgings by Preacher (Ashley Samuels) and is quickly smitten by choir girl Elsa (Madeline Charlemagne). Ivan later meets the cigar smoking Mr Hilton (Thomas Vernal). With a record label and strong connections, Hilton can make Ivan's dreams a reality. But can he leave his old life behind as stardom beckons?
The songs are amazing, with set pieces that create an infectious party atmosphere. But they crowd the story out to such an extent that it's almost meaningless. The task of turning a film into a musical often means the essence is lost because staging options are limited. Consequently, the story lacks coherence and doesn't hang together as well as it should. It becomes a jukebox musical rather than a play with songs. Some may ask whether that really matters. In all truth, it doesn't but the songs should carry the narrative much more. Both the film and stage play are vehicles for the songs of Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker and Toots & the Maytals. That said, a super talented cast embrace every song with the deepest care and affection. A brilliantly constructed set and discreetly hidden in-house band combine to create the feel of downtown Kingston - where the music is as hot as the weather. The plot may be under nourished but it's still a great night out.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Brian Penn
The Harder They Come plays at Stratford East until 4 July, with further info here.
