13 September – 25 October 2025
Stratford East

Book by Suzan-Lori Parks
Including songs by Jimmy Cliff
Additional New Songs by Suzan-Lori Parks
Based upon the film, produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone
Directed by Matthew Xia

“You can get it if you really want.”

Based on the cult classic film that brought reggae to the world, The Harder They Come tells the story of 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.

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.

This unmissable show transports audiences to 1970s Jamaica and asks us the question: “What is the personal cost of fighting against systemic injustice?”

This staging of the seminal film features a sensational soundtrack with brand new songs plus many of Jimmy Cliff’s hits including “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “Many Rivers to Cross”.

A UK premiere adapted for the stage by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Olivier Award-winner Matthew Xia (Tambo & Bones, Skeleton Crew).

Presented by Stratford East in association with Washington Square Films, Joshua Blum & Bruce Miller