The show returns to Stratford East from the 16th May until the 4th July.
Full casting has now been confirmed for the return of Matthew Xia’s production of the critically acclaimed reggae musical, based on the film produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone.
As previously announced, Natey Jones (Titus Andronicus, RSC; Get Up, Stand Up! The
Bob Marley Musical, West End) reprises his role as Ivan and Madeline Charlemagne
(Hadestown, West End; The Secret Life of Bees, Almeida Theatre) also returns as Elsa until 6 June, sharing the role with Chanice Alexander-Burnett (The Third Man, Menier
Chocolate Factory, Les Misérables, West End), who will take over as Elsa from 8 June.
Also reprising their roles will be Danny Bailey (José), Ashh Blackwood (Ensemble), Craig
Blake (Ray), Aisha Davis (Ensemble/Cover Daisy), Kage Douglas (Ensemble/On Stage
Swing/Dance Captain), Robert Grose (Ensemble/Cover Ray), Jack Matthew
(Ensemble/Cover José & Pedro), Simon-Anthony Rhoden (Pedro) and Thomas Vernal
(Mr. Hilton). New company members include: Llewellyn Jamal (Ensemble/Cover Ivan),
Rachel John (Daisy), Grace Kanyamibwa (Ensemble/2 nd Cover Elsa/Cover Elsa from 8
June), Sophia Mackay (Ensemble/On Stage Swing), Nathaniel Morrison (Ensemble/Cover
Preacher & Mr. Hilton) and Ashley Samuels (Preacher).
The 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.
After cutting a record deal with a manipulative music mogul, Ivan learns that the game is rigged and becomes increasingly defiant. As his star rises, he finds himself topping the charts and the most-wanted list of criminals.
Adapted for the stage by Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Suzan-Lori Parks
(Topdog/Underdog, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess), the musical features a soundtrack with brand-new songs by Suzan-Lori Parks alongside classics by Desmond Dekker and Toots and the Maytals, plus Jimmy Cliff hits including “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “Many Rivers to Cross.”
The creative team also includes: Simon Kenny (Set Designer), Jessica Cabassa (Costume
Designer), Shelley Maxwell (Choreographer & Intimacy Director), Ciarán Cunningham
(Lighting Designer), Tony Gayle (Live Sound Designer), Nicola T. Chang (Sound Designer
– Sound Effects & Soundscape), Ashton Moore (Music Supervisor & Vocal Arrangements),
Benjamin Kwasi Burrell (Orchestrator and Music Arrangements), Luke Bacchus (Musical
Director), Gino Ricardo Green (Video Designer), Heather Basten CDG (Casting Director),
Emily Aboud (Associate Director), Dominique Hamilton (Wigs, Hair & Makeup Designer &
Supervisor), Neisha-Yen Jones (Associate Choreographer), Claire Llewellyn for RC
Annie (Fight Director), Aundrea Fudge (Voice and Dialect Coach), David Beckham
(Associate Live Sound Designer), Christopher Reid (Associate Sound Designer – Sound
Effects & Soundscape), Sophie Fuller (Costume Supervisor) and Justine Henzell (Creative
and Cultural Consultant).
To book tickets visit: https://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/the-harder-they-come