The Harder They Come at the Playhouse from 23 May

The Harder They Come, a reggae musical based on the 1972 Perry Henzell film, will open at the Playhouse Theatre 9 June 2008, following previews from 23 May 2008 - booking to 1 Nov 2008.

Featuring Rolan Bell (Ivan), Jacqui Dubois, Derek Elroy, Victor Romero Evans, Joanna Francis, Matthew J Henry, Marlon King, Susan Lawson-Reynolds, Joy Mack, Marcus Powell, Joe Speare, Chris Tummings

It is directed by Kerry Michael and Dawn Reid, designed by Ultz, choreographed by Jackie Guy, lighting by Jo Joelson, sound bg Stefan Lumsden.

The Theatre Royal Stratford East and UK Arts Production, which played earlier this year at The Barbican, is presented in the West End by Jan Ryan and Robert Fox in association with Michael White.

This reggae musical tells the story of a country boy who makes for the bright lights of Kingston, Jamaica. With a head full of songs, including 'You Can Get It If You Really Want', 'Many Rivers to Cross', 'Higher and Higher, 'Rivers of Babylon' and 'The Harder They Come', he dreams of becoming a reggae star. When the harsh reality of the music scene drives him into a fast and furious life as an outlaw, he would rather die than kill his dream.