The original press night in April 2006 saw a standing ovation and a frenzy of excitement when the movie’s original star JIMMY CLIFF joined the cast on stage and joined in the encore of the now legendary reggae classic YOU CAN GET IT IF YOU REALLY WANT IT. The production, directed by KERRY MICHAEL and DAWN REID, went on to break box office records at Stratford East and gained rave reviews:

“ A sure fire smash-hit” TIME OUT
“A terrific thrilling night-out” THE GUARDIAN
“Limitless energy and passion” SUNDAY TIMES
“Pure unadulterated fun” METRO

The show includes all the songs from the film including YOU CAN GET IF YOU REALLY WANT, BY THE RIVERS OF BABYLON and THE HARDER THEY COME which are weaved into the plot and performed by an all-singing cast backed by a live reggae band on stage. The Harder They Come tells the story of Ivan, a country boy who leaves the Jamaican countryside to seek fame and fortune in Kingston through his music. His naïve innocence is exploited by the big-city sharks he comes across and Ivan soon finds himself ripped-off and disillusioned. In his struggle to make his way in the world, he ends up on the wrong side of the law but comes out fighting injustice, all guns blazing...

The original show’s cast remains largely intact and includes: Rolan Bell, Delroy Brown, Dermot Daly, Joanna Francis, Marlon King, Susan Lawson-Reynolds, Joy Mack, Marcus Powell, Trevor A Toussaint and Chris Tummings

Band – Darren Benjamin, Norris Jackson, Perry Melius, Waynes Nunes and Alan Weekes.

CREATIVE CREDITS: Written by Perry Henzell; Directors – Dawn Reid and Kerry Michael; Designer – Ultz; Choreographer – Jackie Guy; Music Surpervisor – Geraldine Connor; Lighting Designer – Jo Joelson; Sound Designer – Stefan Lumsden; Assistant Director – Suba Das.

Dates: Until 25 April @ 7.30pm Tues – Sat; 3pm Sat
Tickets: £10 - £25 Concessions: half-price.
Venue: Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London, E15 1BN
Nearest station: Stratford (Central line, Jubilee line, Silverlink, DLR & mainline)
Booking Line: Box Office: 020 8534 0310. Opening Hours: 10am–7pm, Monday-Saturday

Bookings can be made online (no booking fee) www.stratfordeast.com

Perry Henzell who was the writer and director of the original film and adapted the show for Stratford East sadly died on November 30th 2006.