As I write this review, I am still buzzing from the sheer talent I witnessed on stage in The Harder They Come Musical. From my uncle to my work colleagues, I’ve told everyone that watching this musical is a must. The entire cast, creatives, and crew really did a thing with this show!
So, I have a confession… I’ve never seen the film version and honestly didn’t know much about the plot. I recognised most of the songs, but other than that, I had no idea what to expect. That will change this week because I’ll be watching the film (and booking to see the musical again).
The Harder They Come Musical, book by Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Matthew Xia, tells the story of Ivan (Natey Jones), a young Jamaican man from the countryside who arrives in Kingston with big dreams of becoming a singer. His ambition is infectious, but reality quickly hits. The music industry is ruled by Mr. Hilton (Thomas Vernal), a greedy music boss, and Ivan’s dream of success comes at a heavy cost. When the doors close on his music, desperation drives him into crime and a life on the run.
Alongside his determination to sing and make ends meet in a city that wants to shut him out, Ivan also finds love in Elsa (Madeline Charlemagne), a young woman tied to the church and desired by many men, young and old. As Elsa tries to guide him toward the Lord, Ivan pushes back, determined to make a stand not only for himself but for everyone facing injustice at the hands of corrupt police, preachers, and music bosses. In a world riddled with corruption, the question becomes: can Ivan truly bring change, or will he be swallowed by the same system he’s fighting against?
What makes Ivan’s journey so compelling is how closely it reflects the struggles so many people face when hope collides with corruption and inequality.
As someone with Jamaican roots, this story felt extra powerful to me. My mum is Jamaican, so hearing the music and seeing the culture represented on stage filled me with pride. The rhythms of reggae, the energy of the streets, and even the struggles Ivan faced all carried echoes of stories I grew up hearing. It was more than just watching a musical; it was feeling a connection to heritage and identity that doesn’t often get celebrated on stage in this way.
What I quickly learned is that the true heart of the show is music. Iconic songs by Jimmy Cliff like The Harder They Come and Many Rivers to Cross didn’t just soundtrack the story, they carried it. Each number was performed with so much heart that it felt like a cry of hope, urging Ivan forward even as the world pulled him down. As people around me quietly sang along, the music lifted us all. One moment we were dancing in our seats, the next we were sitting in quiet reflection.
The staging designed by Simon Kenny captured both the energy of Kingston’s streets and the intensity of Ivan’s battles. Vibrant moments of community were set against darker, more stripped back scenes that showed how quickly joy can be swallowed by hardship. I especially loved how the set transformed into different locations. From a busy club to a lively church service, the atmosphere always felt alive.
Jessica Cabassa designed so many brilliant costumes, and I really enjoyed seeing Ivan’s style evolve throughout the play. The lighting design by Ciaran Cunningham also transformed the stage and brought Kingston to life. From the red, black and gold lights in the club to the low-lit shadows when Ivan was on the run at night, everything worked beautifully.
I have to give a huge shout out to choreographer Shelley Maxwell. The choreography was spot on, and that church to club interlude was chef’s kiss. The dance routine was electric and honestly made me want to hop on a plane and go to a club in Kingston.
It is not often that I can say I have no notes for a play, but I genuinely had none. Every part of the show was entertaining. The energy was vibrant and infectious. The acting was fantastic and full of life. The singing was stunning. The dancing was brilliant. The cast really put on a performance that felt like watching a blockbuster movie unfold on stage.
Both Ivan and Elsa stole my heart. Their voices were so powerful, and their characters resonated deeply with me. Elsa was full of faith, strength and bravery. Madeline Charlemagne was brilliant, and I could not take my eyes off her. Ivan was a hero, full of hope, courage and spirit. Natey Jones made him come alive and was so entertaining to watch.
What struck me most was how relatable Ivan’s story felt. His charm, his frustration and his downfall made me root for him even as he made choices that sealed his fate. I also appreciated that the play gave space to Elsa. Her story added another layer to the story, showing how women are caught in the push and pull of love, faith and freedom.
By the end, I walked away inspired by the resilience of both Ivan and Elsa, and by the message that faith and courage can outlive even the darkest endings.
The Harder They Come is more than just a musical. It is a celebration of music, Jamaican storytelling, and the fight to stay true to yourself when the odds are stacked against you. No wonder it has become such an iconic story. For me, it was both a reminder to never give up and a celebration of Jamaican culture, which made it unforgettable. Definitely one of the best plays I have seen this year.
Related links
- The Harder They Come plays at Stratford East until 1 Nov 2025 | See listing
- The Harder They Come Rehearsals event | find out more
- Interview with Matthew Xia | watch on TikTok
- Interview with Jason Pennycooke | watch on TikTok
