Stratford East’s critically-acclaimed revival of the musical The Harder They Come is returning for a new summer season.
The Harder They Come will come back to Stratford East, playing from 16 May to 4 July 2026.
The show is based on the cult Jamaican film of the same name directed by Perry Henzell, and which was responsible for bringing reggae to the world.
The stage adaptation of The Harder They Come is by Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winner Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog), and directed by Olivier Award-winner Matthew Xia (Tambo & Bones).
Casting for the show’s return is to be announced.
The musical enjoyed impressive reviews from the critics when it opened in 2025, scoring five stars from the Guardian, who said the “spectacular” production was “every bit a match for the movie.”
“As the DJ says in ‘The Harder They Come’, ‘It’s a hit because you people made it a hit’ – and it turns out that isn’t just a line in a play, it’s exactly what happened at Stratford East.” – MATTHEW XIA
In The Harder They Come, Ivan is 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.
The show’s soundtrack includes classics by Desmond Dekker and Toots and the Maytals, plus Jimmy Cliff hits including You Can Get It If You Really Want and Many Rivers to Cross, alongside new songs by Suzan-Lori Parks.
The Harder They Come Booking Info
- Theatre: Stratford East Theatre, Gerry Raffles Square, London
- Booking dates: 16 May to 4 July 2026
- Performance schedule: Monday to Saturday evenings and Thursday & Saturday matinees
- Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)
- Age range: Recommended for ages 14+
- More about The Harder They Come on our Ticket Page ➞
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