Simply the Best – Tina has arrived in Melbourne (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical)

The opening night of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical in Melbourne was a vibrant celebration of Tina Turner’s life; the show masterfully blending Tina’s personal struggles and triumphs alongside her iconic music. Taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, the show delves deep into Tina’s realities while performing a showcase of her greatest hits.

Covering over 20 of her most famous songs, including Proud Mary, What’s Love Got to Do with It and Private Dancer, the musical balances high-energy performances with heartfelt moments that bring her incredible story to life. The seamless integration of music and storytelling, combined with stunning choreography, make this production a powerful tribute to Tina’s legacy.

The cast, led by Ruva Ngwenya, delivered exceptional performances that elevated the show to another level. Ngwenya embodied Tina Turner; showcasing not only the singer’s powerful voice but also her resilience and spirit. Giovanni Adams brought depth and complexity to his performance as Ike Turner, delivering a performance that captured the intensity and complexities of his relationship with Tina. Deni Gordon added warmth as Gran Georgeanna, while Ibinabo Jack as Zelma Bullock and Nadia Komazec as Rhonda Graam gave strong supporting performances. Zoe Desmier, as young Anna Mae, stood out, almost stealing the show with her portrayal of Tina’s early years.

The music is, of course, the heartbeat of the show. Whether you’re a Tina mega-fan or someone who only knows the hits, each song brings a new energy and a deeper emotional connection to Tina’s life – having the context of each song laid out before you. Providing more meaning to each lyric, and each hit more impactful, the vibrant choreography matched the energy of the music and the story.

What sets Tina: The Tina Turner Musical apart is that it goes far beyond the music. It’s not just a showcase of hit after hit; it’s the inspiring story of a woman who didn’t just rise to the top—she reinvented what it meant to overcome adversity. From Simply the Best to River Deep, Mountain High, the musical captures her full journey through hardship, resilience, and ultimately triumph. The mix of humour, drama and sheer joy of performance makes for a truly engaging night at the theatre. It’s a fitting tribute to Tina’s extraordinary legacy, and Melbourne audiences are in for a treat.