The Harder They Come to Receive West End Transfer

The critically acclaimed screen-to-stage adaptation of The Harder They Come will begin a run at the West End’s Playhouse Theatre, beginning May 23. The production, which will star Rolan Bell and Joanna Francis, is written by Perry Henzell, and directed by Kerry Michael and Dawn Reid, with choreography by Jacki Guy.

Based on the 1972 film of the same name, the musical tells the story of young singer Ivan Martin, who heads to Kingston in Jamaica with dreams of becoming a reggae star until the harsh reality of the music scene drives him to a fast and furious life as an outlaw. It features songs from the film soundtrack, including “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “By the Rivers of Babylon,” accompanied by a live reggae band.

The cast also includes Jacqui Dubois, Derek Elroy, Victor Romero Evans, Matthew J Henry, Marlon King, Susan Lawson-Reynolds, Joy Mack, Marcus Powell, Joe Speare, and Chris Tummings. The production is directed by Stratford East artistic director Kerry Michael and Dawn Reid, and designed by Ultz with choreography by Jacki Guy.

For more information, visit www.whatsonstage.com.