The Harder They Come to return to London

Exclusive: The Harder They Come will play again in London this summer.

Adapted by Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks, the reggae musical is based on the cult 1970s Jamaican film, which follows 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. The musical features a soundtrack of Jimmy Cliff hits alongside brand new songs.

Olivier Award-winner Matthew Xia directs the piece, which was described as “a genuinely joyous production” by our WhatsOnStage reviewer during its run at Stratford East last autumn. It will return to the venue from 16 May to 4 July, with tickets available from 6 February.

Stratford East’s Lisa Spirling and Hanna Streeter said: “We’re beyond thrilled to bring back The Harder They Come after its phenomenal success in 2025. Suzan‑Lori Parks’ stunning adaptation and Matthew Xia’s joyous direction ignited the Stratford East stage and captured the hearts of audiences night after night. We couldn’t be prouder of the entire creative team and company whose extraordinary work turned this production into a smash hit. We can’t wait to share that energy all over again.”

Xia added: “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. Coming back now feels like a celebration of Jimmy Cliff’s legacy and of the audiences who showed up and claimed this story. I’m thrilled and as proud as (rum) punch that The Harder They Come is returning, just as big, bold, and revolutionary as before.”

Casting for the new run is to be announced.

The creative team brings together Simon Kenny as set designer, Jessica Cabassa as costume designer, Ciarán Cunningham as lighting designer, Tony Gayle as live sound designer, Nicola T Chang as sound designer for effects and soundscape, Shelley Maxwell as choreographer and intimacy director, Gino Ricardo Green as video designer, Ashton Moore as musical director and vocal arranger, Benjamin Kwasi Burrell as orchestrator and music arranger, Heather Basten as casting director, Claire Llewellyn for RC Annie as fight director, Aundrea Fudge as voice and dialect coach, Emily Aboud as assistant director, Claire Nicholas as costume supervisor, and Justine Henzell as cultural consultant.

The Harder They Come is presented by Stratford East in association with Washington Square Films, Joshua Blum and Bruce Miller. The book is by Parks, with songs by Cliff and additional new songs by Parks. The story is based on the film produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone.