The Harder They Come

13 Sep – 25 Oct 2025

Stratford East

The Harder They Come - Photography by Michael Wharley and Design by Steph Pyne
The Harder They Come – Photography by Michael Wharley and Design by Steph Pyne

“You can get it if you really want.” 

Based on the cult classic film that brought reggae to the world, THE HARDER THEY COME tells the story of Ivan, an aspiring singer who arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, determined to live out his dreams on his own terms and make it as a music superstar.  

After cutting a record deal with a manipulative music mogul, Ivan learns that the game is rigged and becomes increasingly defiant. As his star rises, he finds himself topping the charts and the most-wanted list of criminals.   

This unmissable show transports audiences to 1970s Jamaica and asks us the question: “What is the personal cost of fighting against systemic injustice?”

Meet the cast of The Harder They Come, Stratford East
Meet the cast of The Harder They Come, Stratford East

This staging of the seminal film features a sensational soundtrack with brand new songs plus many of Jimmy Cliff’s hits including “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “Many Rivers to Cross”

A UK premiere adapted for the stage by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess) and directed by Olivier Award-winner Matthew Xia (Tambo & BonesSkeleton Crew). 

Based upon the film, produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone.