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.  

The Harder They Come

Stratford East

Join us as one of the most talked-about cultural events of 2023 returns to Stratford East. In this exhilarating, funny and provocative satire, Tambo and Bones journey from comedy double-act, to hip-hop superstars, to activists in a future America, contending with the alarming repercussions of a nation torn apart by race. 

Tambo & Bones

Journey from the sun-drenched shores of Jamaica to the cold, grey streets of 1940s London in Small Island, a powerful and intimate portrayal of Andrea Levy’s multi award-winning novel, adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson. Directed by Matthew Xia, this bold staging offers a fresh perspective on a world shaped by empire and entitlement, caught between belonging and unbelonging, disappointment and hope.

Matthew Xia

Events

Upcoming events

1 - 18 Apr, 2026

Small Island · Birmingham Rep

Past events

Sep 13 - Oct 25, 2025

The Harder They Come · Theatre Royal Stratford East

Apr 29 - May 10, 2025

Tambo & Bones · Theatre Royal Stratford East

About

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