The Harder They Come
The Harder They Come
The Lowry
June 22, 2010
As musicals go, The Harder They Come bends all the rules.
This won’t come as a surprise to those familiar with the 1972 cult Jamaican film from which it has been adapted. Loosely based on the true story of Ivanhoe ‘Rhygin’ Martin, it tells of a country youth who arrives in the city in search of his dreams and ends up losing his innocence and his life.
It was the first home-grown feature film to come out of the Caribbean Island and portrayed life with a raw edge. But it was its soundtrack album that was to wield the most influence – bringing reggae to the world.
The stage version has been adapted by the late Perry Henzell, the Jamaican born writer/producer/director of the original. Some of harshness has gone but its themes of disillusioned youth, drug dealing and gun crime still resonate strongly today.
Like the dreamer at its centre the show refuses to conform. It will leave you with a smile on your face, but can’t really be described as feelgood. And compared to many other West End musical hits, the result feels rough around the edges, yet is fresher and more exciting because of it.
Even before it starts we’re invited to join this vibrant Caribbean scene, with actors greeting the audience as they take their seats, while others bang out Nyabinghi rhythms on the drums.
The musicians and full-cast remain on the stage throughout giving the constant feel of a bustling street scene, while atmospheric light changes are used to switch scenes as well as add a rainbow of primary colours to the stage.
Matthew J Henry reprises the lead role of Ivan, which he played for the show’s West End run. His good looks and energetic dancing has the audience in the palm of his had from the off. And he continues to keep you onside, despite his fights against injustice and dreams of being a hit singer leading him into murkier territories.
Jamaican born, Alanna Leslie is perfect as his young love interest, Elsa. Her powerful voice lifts the roof, none more so than when she’s leading a joyful gospel choir.
They are supported by a strong and entertaining cast. But, like the film, it is the music which takes this show to another level, with hit after classic hit belted out with rock concert noise and passion – (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher, Day O (Banana Boat Song), Rivers of Babylon, Wonderful World, Beautiful People and not forgetting the title track, The Harder They Come.
Until June 26, 2010.
Reviewed: Wed, 23 June, 2010
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Reviews (2)
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Sarah Morley 182
25/06/10 11:36
Having been invited to this performance by my sister who had aquired free tickets, my daughter and I, along with my mum and dad, went to see what I can only descibe as 'brilliant' show. I am not a fan of reggea as such, but the band, voices and dancing was amazing. 'Many Rivers to Cross' was spine-tingling and emotional and now cant get the song out of my head. My 12 year old daughter's attention was gripped throughout the whole performance, which is not an easy task. Apart from one actor's very stong Jamacan accent, which was diffcult to understand sometimes, the story was interesting, fast moving and very well acted.
Everyone at the end of the performance were on their feet, clapping and dancing which was great to see. My hands were actually hurting from clapping so much. Highly recommend this.
This review is the opinion of a CityLife reader and not that of CityLife itself
sylvia ivory
23/06/10 16:54
This is must see show for all fans of old style reggae. The music is fantastic whilst the voices put some mega stars in the shade. It does help if you know a little of the 'runnings' of Jamaican life as there are some insider jokes, and patois is used throughout which left some faces in the audience a bit blank! As it was press night some were there who would not normally have attended this type of show, but as a reggae fan, an ex resident of Jamaica and loving all things Jamaican it was a blast from the past and made me smile throughout.
The dancing, the energy, and the warm up with the audience at the start were allsuited to this venue. It would have been lost as a West End show, and yes. there were rough edges, but that added to its charm.
Go and see it whilst still in Manchester, you will not regret it.
This review is the opinion of a CityLife reader and not that of CityLife itself
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