Tonight Emi Wokoma will be... Tina Turner

Published on 29/11/2012 13:42

STEAMY. That’s the best way to describe Emi Wokoma’s performance in Soul Sister, which tours to the Festival Theatre next week.

As the first lady of raunch, Miss Annie Mae Bullock, aka Tina Turner, Wokoma struts her way around the stage as only the ‘wild woman’ could.

“The challenge of this role is that everyone is familiar with Tina’s unique performance style. I have to try to communicate that without mimicking her, but by conveying her performance energy,” says Wokoma.

“She isn’t a conventional performer, she moves in her own way and her voice is quite frankly supernatural. Playing her is very liberating.”

Soul Sister is the story of Turner’s early years; from being discovered by soon-to be husband Ike Turner, through her despair at their failing marriage, to her attempted suicide. These are dark times; dark times littered with hit after hit.

Direct from a West End season, Wokoma brings the highs and lows of Ike and Tina’s tale to life - Chris Tummings plays a violent, drug-addicted, sleazy Ike.

“Dealing with the subject of domestic violence isn’t easy, but Chris is terrific as Ike and hopefully audiences will be able to see why she stayed with him for so long.”

And it’s not just vintage Ike and Tina Turner that will have you on your feet dancing. River Deep Mountain High, Proud Mary and all the early hits may well be there, but so too are Turner’s solo successes from the 80s, including What’s Love Got To Do With It, Private Dancer and the iconic Simply The Best, along with many more.

Soul Sister, Festival Theatre, Nicolson Street, Monday-Saturday, various times, £13.50-£33, 0131-529 6000