Theatre Review: Soul Sister - The Savoy Theatre, London (then UK tour) ✭✭✭✭

Soul Sister

The Savoy Theatre (then UK tour)

‘What’s love gotta do with it’ is probably one of Tina Turner’s most popular songs. Her story, however, is probably less well known. I, for one, was unaware of all the trials and tribulations she had to put up with, blissfully so that to me she was simply a great singer but having seen Soul Sister, I now understand that she is also a great role model.

Emi Wokoma, cast as Tina Turner, is faced with a tough challenge, one that most women would fail at. Wokoma, however, does not succumb but brings her own star quality to the role. She has an amazing voice, different to Tina Turners, but one which, like Turners, gives you goose bumps. Wokoma makes the songs her own so it is not like listening to a poor cover version but an original.

Wokoma also embraces Tina Turner’s magnetism with her shimmying and strutting across the stage and her facial expressions show she has spent time learning Turner’s mannerisms.

Chris Tummings, in the role of Tina Turner’s abusive husband Ike Turner, does a fantastic job both visually and vocally. He also performs brilliantly with the onstage band, all of whom never fail to impress.

Simply the Best brings about a great reaction with the audience on their feet as the last few songs are sung in a gig like fashion.

I really enjoyed Soul Sister and although I didn’t know some of the songs, I found myself singing along with the rest of the audience.

4 stars out of 5 ✭✭✭✭

Review by Unsa Chaudri

WEST END LISTINGS INFORMATION

Plays until 29th September

The Savoy Theatre,

London

WC2R 0ET

Box Office: 0844 871 7687

Website: http://www.atgtickets.com/savoy

Performances:

Mon - Sat 7.30pm

Matinee Wed/Sat 2.30pm

£25.00 - £57.50 excluding fees