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It’s been some time since a really big West End musical has closed on us, but alas: Tina – The Tina Turner Musical has just announced that it’ll be ending its run this September after seven years at the Aldwych Theatre.
That’s no mean feat – a handful of behemoths like Les Mis have enjoyed decades-long runs, but with its mix of massive pop hits and gripping true story, the autobiographical Tina has enjoyed a lifespan far greater than the average musical, and it must stand as one of the more successful jukebox shows in history, beaten only by Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You, Buddy and Jersey Boys.
It certainly feels like it opened in a different world – legendary rock singer Turner was still with us on its press night, where she made one of her final public appearances.
Now it’s due to be off, but it leaves in good order, with a final four months left to go before it departs London as the longest running show to ever play the 1,200-seat Aldwych.
On the plus side, where one door closes another opens and we’re liable to see something new at the theatre shortly thereafter. There is no word yet on what it’ll be and the the usual theatre rumour mills are largely stumped: historically the Aldwych tends to to play host to musicals, though a play could easily plug the gap temporarily; there are a lot of Broadway hits sloshing around that could easily move in, or a new show like A Knight’s Tale, currently having out of town tryouts in Manchester. Tina announcing its departure strongly suggests the next show is a done deal, however, and we’ll probably hear something about the next one relatively soon.
For now though, let’s salute Tina, which bows out one of the most successful musicals of the twenty-first century.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is at the Aldwych Theatre until Sep 13. Buy tickets here.
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