Tina Turner Bord Gais Musical: Length, Cast & Reviews

Dublin theatregoers have had a rare chance to see Tina Turner’s story unfold live on stage this summer, and the buzz around the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre has been hard to miss as the touring production of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical landed in the city for a three-week run, bringing with it the energy and music that defined a legend. Here’s everything you need to know about the show, the cast, and the legacy behind it.

Show dates: 27 May – 14 June 2025 · Venue: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin · Age recommendation: 14+ · Ticket on sale date: 31 May 2025

Six key facts at a glance: the production details that matter most.

How long does Tina Turner’s show last?

What is the runtime of the musical?

• The official Bord Gáis Energy Theatre website lists the show as approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including one interval (Bord Gáis Energy Theatre – official page).
• A Dublin review on No More Workhorse called it “almost three hours of full-throttle energy and performance” (No More Workhorse – audience review).

Is there an intermission?

• Yes, one interval is included in the 2h45m runtime, as confirmed by the theatre’s official listing (Bord Gáis Energy Theatre).

The implication: plan your evening around a show that runs well over two hours, with a natural break halfway through.

Who plays Tina Turner in Bord Gais?

Is Fleur East still in the musical?

• The lead role of Tina Turner in the 2025 UK and Ireland touring production is shared between Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi and Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy (Greatest Hits Radio – tour cast announcement).
• Fleur East performed the role in the West End production but reportedly left the show before the 2025 tour. Her final West End dates were confirmed separately (LoveDublin – local coverage).
• David King-Yombo plays Ike Turner in the touring production, praised in Dublin reviews for performing “to great effect” (No More Workhorse – Dublin review).
• Standby Bree Smith was noted for electrifying the stage during the Dublin run when covering the lead role (No More Workhorse – Dublin review).

The takeaway: the Dublin cast is a rotating ensemble, so be sure to check which actress performs on your chosen date.

Is Tina Turner the musical good?

What do critics say?

• Ticketmaster Ireland describes the production as “a five-star show” and quotes the Daily Mail calling it “simply the best” (Ticketmaster Ireland – show page).
• No More Workhorse’s Dublin review gave high praise for the energy, calling it “a near three-hour ride that never lets up” (No More Workhorse – review).
• Audience reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the powerhouse vocals and choreography.

Is the musical worth seeing?

• 98FM reported ticket prices starting at €24.20, making it an accessible night out for fans (98FM – What’s On).
• The production is directed by Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia!) with a book by Katori Hall, known for The Mountaintop (Bord Gáis Energy Theatre – creative team).

Why it works: the show leans on a legendary discography and a story that resonates across generations, delivered by a cast that draws standing ovations nightly.

What song did Tina Turner refuse to sing?

This question often arises from a specific episode in Turner’s early career. According to her biography, she refused to sing “Proud Mary” for a period after Ike Turner’s version became a staple, but later reclaimed it. The musical addresses this tension in its portrayal of her relationship with Ike (Greatest Hits Radio – cast interview context).

The musical’s setlist draws from her full catalogue, but the specific refusal is dramatised in the book by Katori Hall.

This aspect of her story adds depth to the musical’s narrative.

What illness caused Tina Turner’s death?

What were her last words?

• Tina Turner died in 2023 at the age of 83. Her family confirmed that she passed away from natural causes (LoveDublin – obituary reference). (Note: The exact illness was not publicly specified beyond general health decline.)
• Reports of her last words vary; her family has not provided an official account, so this detail remains unverified.

The pattern: Turner’s death, while deeply mourned, did not stem from a single named illness. The musical honours her life rather than dwelling on its end.

Confirmed facts & unanswered questions

“Almost three hours of full-throttle energy and performance.”

– No More Workhorse review, 29 May 2025 (No More Workhorse)

“The show is a five-star production – simply the best.”

– Ticketmaster Ireland quoting Daily Mail (Ticketmaster Ireland)

“Standby Bree Smith electrified the stage when she took over the role.”

– Dublin blogger on No More Workhorse (No More Workhorse)

“The production marks the first time the musical has toured Ireland.”

– Greatest Hits Radio (Greatest Hits Radio)

If you’re still deciding, consider this: the musical delivers a high-octane celebration of Tina Turner’s career, but it’s not a documentary. For Dublin audiences, the opportunity to see it live on home soil is a rare one. The audience should prepare for an evening of pure energy.

Frequently asked questions