Can you get it if you really want?
Stratford East’s production of The Harder They Come bursts with energy, color, and rhythm, bringing the streets of 1970s Kingston vividly to life. From the bustling market scenes to the smoky clubs, the stage pulses with movement, music, and vibrant set pieces. The production combines lively choreography, dynamic lighting, and eye-catching costumes to immerse the audience in the sights, sounds, and spirit of Jamaica. The story follows Ivanhoe “Ivan” Martin, a young man trying to make his way in the city while chasing his dreams, and the ensemble cast brings both heart and intensity to his journey, capturing the excitement, tension, and resilience of his world.
From the moment we meet Ivan, played by Natey Jones, his smooth, expressive vocals glide effortlessly between riffs, rasps, and grit, immediately drawing the audience in. Jones captures a compelling mix of ambition and vulnerability, while Madeline Charlemagne’s Elsa offers a grounded and spirited counterpart. Their natural chemistry makes their scenes together especially engaging. The supporting cast, including Danny Bailey, Simon-Anthony Rhoden, Thomas Vernal, Jason Pennycooke, Craig Blake, and Josie Benson, along with the ensemble, deliver lively performances that bring the streets and energy of 1970s Kingston vividly to life, moving effortlessly between moments of quiet reflection and vibrant, high-energy, capturing the full range of the city’s culture and music.
While Act 1 sometimes lingers, it allows the narrative and music to build momentum, leading to a second half that truly dazzles. The show also touches on the bitter irony of Ivan’s struggles: while he and his community navigate hardship and the local drug trade, much of the profit flows elsewhere, highlighting the inequalities that underpin the story.
The production design is striking. Simon Kenny’s clever use of a split-level set, combined with Ciarán Cunningham’s atmospheric lighting and Jessica Cabassa’s vivid costumes, immerses the audience in the bustling streets and vibrant culture of Jamaica. Shelley Maxwell’s choreography injects kinetic energy into the show, ensuring the story moves as dynamically as the music.
Musically, the show is a joyous celebration of reggae classics like “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “Many Rivers to Cross.” The songs are performed with infectious enthusiasm and skill, and the live band delivers them with a sense of authenticity that resonates throughout the theatre.
Overall, The Harder They Come is a lively, engaging musical that celebrates Jamaica’s culture and resilience, leaving audiences humming its unforgettable tunes long after the curtain falls.