"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?"
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”.
The 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 & Bones, Skeleton Crew) sold out last year.
Based upon the film, produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone.
Presented by Stratford East in association with Washington Square Films, Joshua Blum & Bruce Miller.
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OFFIES Assessors Choice / Natey Jones winner of Best Actor in a Musical Broadway World UK Awards 2025 / Nominated for 7 Stalls to Stage Awards including Best Casting, Choreography and Musical.
Click here for details about companion/carer tickets
Concessions
Available for under 17s
Schools Rates
Newham schools: £12 per person
All other schools: £14 per person
Group Bookings
If you buy nine standard rate tickets then you get the 10th free. Group bookings (of nine or more tickets) can only be booked over the phone or in person.
Booking Enquiries
Our online booking system doesn’t allow customers to leave isolated seats. We do this in order to prevent gaps in the auditorium.
Currently seats are on sale from Row B in the stalls, and it is possible that Row A will go on sale at a later date, so please be aware that purchasing seats in Row B does not guarantee that you will be in the front row.
Please note that our boxes have a slightly restricted view. Seats marked with an ‘i’ on the seating plan have a restricted view.
Our ticket prices increase as the theatre fills. We always recommend booking early to secure the best seats at the best price.
If you require any help with your booking then please contact our Box Office by emailing tickets@stratfordeast.com or calling 020 8534 0310.
CAST
Ensemble / Cover Elsa / Elsa from Mon 08 Jun: Chanice Alexander-Burnett
José: Daniel Bailey
Ensemble: Ashh Blackwood
Ray: Craig Blake
Elsa to Sat 06 June: Madeline Charlemagne
Ensemble: Tré Copeland-Williams
Ensemble / Cover Daisy: Aisha Davis
Swing / Dance Captain: Kage Douglas
Ensemble / Cover Ray: Robert Grose
Ensemble / Cover Ivan: Llewellyn Jamal
Daisy: Rachel John
Ivan: Natey Jones
Ensemble / 2nd Cover Elsa to Sat 06 Jun / 1st Cover Elsa from Mon 08 Jun: Grace Kanyamibwa
Swing: Sophia Mackay
Ensemble / Cover José & Pedro: Jack Matthew
Ensemble / Cover Hilton & Preacher: Nathaniel Morrison
Pedro: Simon-Anthony Rhoden
Preacher: Ashley Samuels
Ensemble: Ellie Seaton
Hilton: Thomas Vernal
BAND
Musical Director / Keys 2: Luke Bacchus
Keys 1: Gigi Kuo
Guitar: Ashley Blasse
Bass: Derrick Taylor
Drums: Marley Drummond
Percussion: Will Miles
Trumpet: Deanna Wilhelm
Trombone: Nathaniel Cross
CREATIVE
Book and Additional New Songs: Suzan-Lori Parks
Songs by Jimmy Cliff
Directed by Matthew Xia
Set Designer: Simon Kenny
Costume Designer: Jessica Cabassa
Choreographer & Intimacy Director: Shelley Maxwell
Lighting Designer: Ciarán Cunningham
Live Sound Designer: Tony Gayle
Sound Designer (Sound Effects & Soundscape): Nicola T. Chang
Music Supervisor & Vocal Arrangements: Ashton Moore
Orchestrator & Music Arrangements: Benjamin Kwasi Burrell
Musical Director: Luke Bacchus
Video Designer: Gino Ricardo Green
Casting Director: Heather Basten CDG
Fight Director: Claire Llewellyn for RC Annie
Voice and Dialect Coach: Aundrea Fudge
Wigs, Hair & Makeup Designer & Supervisor: Dominique Hamilton
Associate Director: Emily Aboud
Associate Choreographer: Neisha-yen Jones
Associate Sound Designer for Tony Gayle: David Beckham
Costume Supervisor: Sophie Fuller
Creative and Cultural Consultant: Justine Henzell
Based upon the film, produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes plus an interval.
Age guidance: 14+ (Click here for Content Advisory Notes)
Access performances:
Captioned: THU 18 JUN, 7.30PM
BSL Interpreted: FRI 19 JUN, 7.30PM
Audio Described: SAT 20 JUN, 2.30PM
Relaxed Environment: MON 25 MAY, 7.30PM
Access Information
Members Offer
20% off for Members & Friends when you book 2 or more shows at the same time.
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