Review: The Harder They Come, Theatre Royal Stratford East

The Harder They Come is outstanding! Responding to the success of the original run, Stratford East Theatre reprises the show just six months later and with most of the original cast. Based upon the original film of the same name, produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone, this production brings 1970s Kingston, Jamaica to East London in depth and breadth. Beautifully written additional songs by Suzan-Lori Parks are embedded with classics from Jimmy Cliff, Johnny Nash, Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Dekker and more. The arrangements by Ashton Moore, orchestrated and enhanced by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, are captivating, drawing laughter, cheers and tears from the audience.

The cast, under the direction of Matthew Xia, is clearly at home in ‘funky Kingston’. Multi-level set design by Simon Kenny is a joy to experience, returning many of us to the corrugated, concrete maze of parts of Kingston, suggesting the simplicity of homes and the warm community of Jamaicans. The swift and seamless scene evolutions from DJ booth to restaurant, workshop, club, church, homes and more, are convincing and engaging. Ciarán Cunningham’s lighting design enriches the fast-paced set changes, time of day and mood of each scene, while thoughtful costuming from Jessica Cabassa allows the cast to transition swiftly from church to dance hall, from street to home, at a breathless pace yet with elegance and grace. Curated make-up, wigs, accessories (Dominique Hamilton) are also beautifully styled for location, culture, era, age range and varied contexts.  

The storytelling excels in its portrayal of devotion, love, family, hardship and threat. The play is delivered in Jamaican Patois, respecting the language of Jamaica together with formality of received pronunciation in news broadcasts. The cultural care (Justine Henzell) is evident in facial expression, body contortion and nuance of the walks, dance, home conversations and the balance of morality, work ethics and aspirations of many Kingstonians along, of course, with those who come from ‘country’.

It is the songs, the quality of vocal harmonies (Moore) and intense renditions of much-loved tracks that elevate this production further. Every voice adds depth and clarity to the musical arrangements (Moore & Burrell). Natey Jones (Ivan) is outstanding, Thomas Vernal (Mr Hilton) charismatic and arrogant, Chanice Alexander-Burnett (Elsa) is both tender and strong. Standouts are many from each cast member. Rachel John (Daisy) an aggrieved mother, who leads ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ with such pain and gravitas, drives home the message of how hard life can be and the role of faith in rising to challenges. Jones, Alexander-Burnett and the ensemble bring further layers to this complex arrangement, with passion and profound suffering: unforgettable. Equally, Jones and Alexander-Burnett’s duets demonstrate wide vocal range with sweet love and raw intentions.

Choreography/intimacy direction from Shelley Maxwell convincingly depicts the swagger of the streets, posturing of law enforcement, grind of dance hall and trauma of fear and loss. Social strata are complex, often balancing socio-economic position, politics, police corruption and familial expectations and obligations. The timing, cohesiveness and movements of each cast member is purposeful and generous, demanding attention and celebrating their presence and capabilities, resulting in frequent whooping and applause from an appreciative audience. 

Jamaica is often depicted with focus upon crime, violence, drugs and poverty, which is reductive at best. The Harder They Come brings uplifting testament to the palpable joy, community, love, musicality and humour of Jamaicans; the loyalties of families and friendship, the boundless commitment to succeed. I’ll be immersed in ‘Funky Kingston’ again soon … our tickets are already booked!  

Book and Additional New Songs by Suzan-Lori Parks
Songs by Jimmy Cliff
Directed by Matthew Xia
Set Design by Simon Kenny
Costume Design by Jessica Cabassa
Lighting Design by Ciarán Cunningham
Live Sound Design by Tony Gayle
Sound Design (Sound Effects & Soundscape) by Nicola T. Chang
Choreographer & Intimacy Direction by Shelley Maxwell
Video Design by Gino Ricardo Green
Music Supervisor & Vocal Arrangements by Ashton Moore
Orchestrator & Music Arrangements by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell
Musical Direction by Luke Bacchus
Casting Direction by Heather Basten CDG
Fight Direction by Claire Llewellyn for RC Annie
Voice and Dialect Coach: Aundrea Fudge
Associate Director: Emily Aboud
Associate Choreographer: Neisha-yen Jones
Wigs, Hair & Makeup Designer & Supervisor: Dominique Hamilton
Creative and Cultural Consultant: Justine Henzell

The Harder They Come runs at Stratford East until Saturday 4 July.