Today Tina Turner is recognised as an internationally successful star, but in Soul Sister we see that her road to fame was a rocky one in every sense of the word!
Beginning at the point where her solo career is about to take off, Tina takes the audience back to the very start of her relationship with Ike Wister Turner. Her story follows the couple from the time when, as a naïve teenager, the then Anna Mae Bullock joins Ike‘s band. There is a wonderful Simon Cowell/Subo moment when a disinterested Ike‘s jaw drops on hearing the power of this bobby-socked kid‘s voice.
Ike‘s violence towards Tina, the racial segregation prevalent at that time and Ike‘s promiscuity and drug taking are not ignored, but provide context and a framework for the show‘s most important aspect – the Music.
Wokoma, who is on stage almost continuously, deserves full credit for her amazing energy and stage presence. She captures perfectly Tina‘s stiff-legged dance style and, although their voices are quite different, Wokoma‘s portrayal of the star is absolutely believable, and is enhanced by the fabulous costumes.
The script is fairly spare, but is supplemented by a film backdrop, where a swift succession of screenshots gives a helpful timeline. There are many humorous moments, such as when Ike is grappling with the idea of feminism. Full credit to Cummings for his portrayal of this complex character facing the frustrations of getting his work recognised. As a relentless taskmaster he shows the hard work involved in becoming famous.
The backing singers are superb and their individual talent shone at the end of the brilliant version of ’Honky Tonk Woman‘. The band deserves much praise, as does the excellent stage management with the frequent and seamless scene changes.
The audience on this opening night in Oxford showed their appreciation from the outset, but thankfully remained seated until the last scene when the re-born Tina Turner, finally free of Ike‘s domination, erupts onto the stage with a string of her famous hits. This is entertainment, and although difficult subjects are tackled, the overall feeling is one of energy, excitement and fantastic music. When Wokoma throws the mike out, the audience is on its feet bellowing back ’What‘s love gotta do with it‘ and by the last song I too was convinced it was ’The Best‘.