More Information
Age guidance: 14+
Access performances:
BSL Interpreted: TUE 14 OCT, 7.30pm
Captioned: WED 15 OCT, 7.30pm
Relaxed Environment: THU 16 OCT, 2.30pm
Audio Described: SAT 18 OCT, 2.30pm
"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.
Click here for details about companion/carer tickets
20% off for Members & Friends when they book 2 or more shows at the same time
Concessions
Available for under 17s
Schools Rates
Newham schools: £12 per person
All other schools: £14 per person
Group Bookings
If you buy nine standard rate tickets then you get the 10th free. Group bookings (of nine or more tickets) can only be booked over the phone or in person.
Booking Enquiries
Our online booking system doesn’t allow customers to leave isolated seats. We do this in order to prevent gaps in the auditorium.
Currently seats are on sale from Row B in the stalls, and it is possible that Row A will go on sale at a later date, so please be aware that purchasing seats in Row B does not guarantee that you will be in the front row.
Please note that our boxes have a slightly restricted view. Seats marked with an ‘i’ on the seating plan have a restricted view.
Our ticket prices increase as the theatre fills. We always recommend booking early to secure the best seats at the best price.
If you require any help with your booking then please contact our Box Office by emailing tickets@stratfordeast.com or calling 020 8534 0310.
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
Dates, Times & Tickets
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Sat 13 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
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Mon 15 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £6.00 - £40.00
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Tue 16 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
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Wed 17 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
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Thu 18 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
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Fri 19 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
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Sat 20 Sep 2025 2:30 PM £10.00 - £44.50
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Sat 20 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £44.50
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Mon 22 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £39.50
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Tue 23 Sep 2025 7:00 PM £10.00 - £39.50
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Sat 13 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
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Mon 15 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £6.00 - £40.00
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Tue 16 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
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Wed 17 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
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Thu 18 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
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Fri 19 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
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Sat 20 Sep 2025 2:30 PM £10.00 - £44.50
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Sat 20 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £44.50
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Mon 22 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £39.50
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Tue 23 Sep 2025 7:00 PM £10.00 - £39.50
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