The Harder They Come
Theatre Royal Stratford East
- Opens: Saturday, 16 May 2026 -
Booking until: Saturday, 4 July 2026
The Harder They Come description
If you loved the smash hit 1972 movie, The Harder They Come is for you.
The Harder They Come is an early 1970s crime movie set in Jamaica, loosely based on a true story. It's about the real-life criminal Ivanhoe 'Ivan' Martin, a blend of fact and fiction directed by Perry Henzell and starring the reggae musician Jimmy Cliff. It explores ambition, oppression and rebellion, known and loved for its outstanding reggae soundtrack. The film, which ended up a cult classic, transformed reggae music into an international phenomenon, and this is the stage show's UK premiere. The signs are all looking good for an experience to remember.
This live stage version, which sold out in 2025, tells the same captivating story as the film. Ivan is an aspiring singer with superstardom at the top of his wish list. Arriving in Kingston, Jamaica, he's determined to make his dreams come true. Taking the first step to fame, he signs a recording contract with a dodgy music business boss. Then he finds out the whole thing is rigged. As fame and fortune approaches, his growing defiance gets him in big trouble. A sensational score includes new songs as well as Jimmy Cliff's best-loved hits. “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, "Many Rivers to Cross”, “The Harder They Come” itself and more make this a spectacle to remember.
Book and additional songs come from Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess) who also adapted the story. Olivier Award-winner Matthew Xia (Tambo & Bones, Skeleton Crew) directs. Set Designer Simon Kenny, Costume Designer Jessica Cabassa, Lighting Designer Ciarán Cunningham, Live Sound Designer Tony Gayle, Sound Designer Nicola T. Chang plus Choreographer and Intimacy Director Shelley Maxwell are just a few members of a huge creative team.
Described as riotous, loud, proud and unmissable, seats for this critically acclaimed production are bound to sell fast. Get your The Harder They Come tickets in good time!
