The Harder They Come

The Harder They Come

"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 

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

Dates, Times & Tickets
  • Sat 13 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
  • Mon 15 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £6.00 - £40.00
  • Tue 16 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
  • Wed 17 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
  • Thu 18 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
  • Fri 19 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
  • Sat 20 Sep 2025 2:30 PM £10.00 - £44.50
  • Sat 20 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £44.50
  • Mon 22 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £39.50
  • Tue 23 Sep 2025 7:00 PM £10.00 - £39.50
  • Sat 13 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
  • Mon 15 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £6.00 - £40.00
  • Tue 16 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
  • Wed 17 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
  • Thu 18 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
  • Fri 19 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £34.50
  • Sat 20 Sep 2025 2:30 PM £10.00 - £44.50
  • Sat 20 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £44.50
  • Mon 22 Sep 2025 7:30 PM £10.00 - £39.50
  • Tue 23 Sep 2025 7:00 PM £10.00 - £39.50

you May Also Like...

  • Lovestuck

    FRI 06 JUN - SAT 12 JUL 2025

    Musicals, On Stage

    Worst. Date. Ever. A new musical comedy inspired by true events.     Conceived and written by James Cooper, with direction by Jamie Morton (co-creator...

     Various Times

  • Stratford East: Politics and Theatre

    FRI 28 FEB 2025

    On Stage

    Telling stories that are current, political and representative of our community is an integral part of our work at Strat...

     5:00 PM

  • Ampersands: Raymond Antrobus & Joe Carrick-Varty

    THU 16 JAN 2025

    Music, Drama, On Stage

    Joe Carrick-Varty and harpist Olivia Jageurs perform a unique piece originally commissioned for Ledbury Poetry Festival:...

     7:30 PM

Cookies on our website

Stratford has updated its cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This includes cookies from third party social media websites. Such third party cookies may track your use on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time.