Perry Henzell’s The Harder They Come, a stage version of the 1972 reggae musical film that made an international sensation of Jimmy Cliff, will have its third London berth when it begins a West End run May 23 at the Playhouse Theatre. Opening night for the show, co-directed by Kerry Michael and Dawn Reid, is scheduled for June 9.
Rolan Bell heads the 12-strong cast as Ivan, a country boy determined to give the big time of Kingston, Jamaica, a go. The stage score includes such beloved numbers as "Higher and Higher, " "Rivers of Babylon, "and the title song.
The company also includes Jacqui Dubois, Derek Elroy, Victor Romero Evans, Joanna Francis, Matthew J. Henry, Marlon King, Joy Mack, Marcus Powell, Joe Speare, Susan Lawson-Reynolds and Chris Tummings.
The show first played the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, before moving on recently to the Barbican. The producers are Jan Ryan and Robert Fox in association with Michael White.