Review: The Harder They Come at Stratford Theatre by Esther Austin

On the 24th of September, I took attended Press Launch of The Harder They Come even though I was feeling exhausted, and I’m so glad I did. I went to the launch of The Harder They Come at Stratford Theatre, and what a night it turned out to be! While waiting in line to get into the auditorium, I had an unexpected treat—standing right in front of me was none other than Gregory Porter, the incredible jazz maestro and Grammy-winning artist. I couldn’t resist tugging at his sleeve, introducing myself, and snapping a picture before heading in. That little moment already set the tone for a special evening.

This was my second time seeing the production, and honestly, it still blew me away. There were changes from the first time—some new songs, some different songs—but the heart of the story remained the same. The message of standing firm in your convictions, fighting against the odds, and challenging the status quo came through loud and clear, just as powerful and moving as before.

What struck me most this time was how fully the cast embodied Jamaican culture. Each character gave such powerful renditions—whether it was through their singing, the way they danced, or even the smallest gestures.. Their costumes, the way they walked, the rhythm in their gait, and those little cultural mannerisms all added up to something that felt real, rich, and nostalgic. It was like being transported to Jamaica in the 1970s, with all the colour, music, and spirit of the Caribbean alive on stage. A story filled with customs i.e the church, religion, love, betrayal, corruption, lust, the parties, the lifestyle and always in the midst of it, a naive young man from the country who had come to town to follow his dreams, disrupting yet empowering those around him.

And of course, the music was sensational. The mix of new songs alongside Jimmy Cliff’s classics like “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “Many Rivers to Cross” had the whole audience vibing—people were swaying, nodding along, even singing under their breath. That soundtrack is what ties the whole show together, and it’s impossible not to feel lifted by it. I danced in my chair for most of the show, because I feel the music in my bones. To me this wasn't just about music, but a deep cultural connection to the heart and soul of Reggae, and its richness as part of story-telling, as part of moving something inside the soul that feeds off the rhythms of reggae, that nurtures an ancestral connection to the ancestors, to a history that weaves deep.

For me, The Harder They Come is more than just a stage show. It’s a cultural experience, a reminder of resilience and determination, and a celebration of Jamaican identity through story, song, and movement. I left the theatre not only entertained but also inspired.

Book by Suzan-Lori Parks 

Including songs by Jimmy Cliff

Additional New Songs by Suzan-Lori Parks 

Based upon the film, produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone

Directed by Matthew Xia Purchase your tickets now at: www.stratfordeast.com   The Harder They Come runs at Stratford East until Saturday 25 October. "The cast features Danny Bailey as José, Josie Benson as Daisy, Craig Blake as Ray, Madeline Charlemagne as Elsa, Natey Jones as Ivan, Jason Pennycooke as Preacher, Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Pedro, and Thomas Vernal as Hilton. The ensemble includes Chanice Alexander-Burnett (who also serves as cover for Elsa), Lori Barker (On Stage Swing), Ashh Blackwood, Aisha Davis (who also covers the role of Daisy), Kage Douglas (On Stage Swing), Robert Grose (covering the roles of Ray & José), Lauren Azania AJ King-Yombo, Jack Matthew (covering the role of Pedro), Newtion Matthews (covering the roles of Preacher & Hilton), and Marcellus Whyte (covering the role of Ivan).

The creative team includes: Simon Kenny (Set Designer), Jessica Cabassa (Costume Designer), Ciarán Cunningham (Lighting Designer), Tony Gayle (Live Sound Designer), Nicola T. Chang (Sound Designer – Sound Effects & Soundscape), Shelley Maxwell (Choreographer & Intimacy Director), Gino Ricardo Green (Video Designer), Ashton Moore (Musical Director & Vocal Arrangements), Benjamin Kwasi Burrell (Orchestrator and Music Arrangements), Luke Bacchus (Assistant Musical Director & Keys 2), Heather Basten (Casting Director), Dominique Hamilton (WHAM Designer & Supervisor), Claire Llewellyn for RC Annie (Fight Director), Aundrea Fudge (Voice and Dialect Coach), Emily Aboud (Assistant Director), Claire Nicholas (Costume Supervisor), Andy Reader (Production Manager), Marie-Angelique St. Hill (Company Stage Manager), Emily Davis (Deputy Stage Manager), and Emily Mei-Ling Pearce and Dynzell Muguti (Assistant Stage Managers)." Review: The Harder They Come at Stratford Theatre by Esther Austin