“Harder They Come” Breaking Box Office Records

The musical, based on the classic Jamaican film ‘The Harder They Come’, is breaking box office records at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, London where it has been playing since March 25.
Written by Perry Henzell and directed by Kerry Michael with associate director Dawn Reid, the musical has become the theatre’s best-selling musical, with a 94 per cent capacity audience each night. Ticket sales for the 430-seat theatre have topped 19,000 overtaking last year’s hit show, The Big Life.
“Even in the first week, we were seeing repeat customers bridging all generational gaps and bringing a truly diverse mix of people to the theatre. It’s great to feel the energy and excitement from the audience, before, after and during the show,” Mr. Michael said.
The musical, which has also been receiving positive reviews and support in the media, has been extended to June 10, making it possibly the longest-running show in the famous old theatre’s long and illustrious history.
Based on the 1972 film starring famous reggae singer and songwriter Jimmy Cliff, “The Harder They Come” tells the story of Ivan, a Jamaican country boy, who travels to the big city of Kingston to find fame and fortune as a reggae star. Young British actor, Rolan Bell, is playing the part of Ivan, which was made famous by Cliff over 30 years earlier.
Cliff, who attended opening night, took the stage to perform the eponymous theme song, to shouts and screams of approval from the packed theatre.