Audience Tina Turner musical London hears in intermission that she has died, actress explains why show continues | show

Leading actress Kristina Love explained why the show had to go on right now. A day later, the lights on the West End dim in tribute.

The performance about Turner’s life had its last performance in the Netherlands after three years last February, but the show can still be seen in London. Also on Wednesday, when it became known that the world star at the age of 83 was deceased. The news came during the break and will have reached some of the audience on their phones, but the makers couldn’t assume that.

“You can imagine why we are all standing here before you,” said one of the actors at the Aldwych Theater after the entire cast had appeared on stage. “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Tina Turner passed away today. The feelings of our company cannot be expressed in words.”

Although an audible shock went through the room, the atmosphere should not be sad. With a striking anecdote, actress Kristina Love, who plays Tina, explained why. “In 2018 I met Tina Turner. It was my birthday. I came in and she sang Happy Birthday for me. She went above and beyond to put me at ease about the challenge ahead, to play her.

,,She said to me: ‘Kristina, if you don’t imitate me. There will always be only one me and one you. Find yourself in my story.’ And that’s why we’re here tonight, from all different backgrounds, race and nationality. Because one woman fearlessly lived her life, from the cotton fields to international stardom. You experience her story and her music. So tonight we’re going to party. Because we know there’s a very big party in heaven.”

_{Read on under Kristina Love’s anecdote:}

As difficult as that must have been for everyone present and the cast – it worked out. “The second half was definitely a celebration of her great life,” said Abi Garrido (25) from Newcastle, who was in the audience. Daily Mail. “The atmosphere was so special. It’s indescribable, you felt the emotion in the air.” It felt surreal to see the cast and crew cry. “I felt so sorry for them, I couldn’t have done it.”

At 8pm Thursday night, West End theaters will dim the lights in tribute to Turner, reports variety.

Also listen to the AD Media Podcast below or subscribe via Spotify or itunes. Find all our podcasts at ad.nl/podcasts.

Watch our Show & Entertainment videos below: