Jamaica Love Nominated for Best Musical Production by Black British Theatre Awards

How can you compete with legends like Tina Turner and Michael Jackson?

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The simple answer—usually, you can’t. But sometimes, just maybe, you can. My cast of Jamaica Love arrived looking like superstars at the Lyceum Theatre for the Black British Theatre Awards, ready to celebrate among giants. We were there to represent a heartfelt, shoestring production, going up against two blockbuster jukebox musicals built around icons of pop history— Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and MJ: The Musical.

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So, who exactly were we up against? These are international mega-productions about two American superstars, each backed by multi-million-dollar budgets and global producers known for hits like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Mamma Mia! Tina has captivated audiences from Broadway to Sydney since 2018, while MJ has taken New York and the West End by storm, grossing over $200 million worldwide.

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And then there’s Jamaica Love—a dedicated, ragtag group of part-time UK theatre players. We don’t have a famous cast or a massive budget, nor do we bring elaborate sets or costumes. But when our actors, singers, and musicians take the stage, they captivate audiences. The heart of theatre is storytelling, and on this front, all productions start as equals. Can you tell a compelling story that stirs imaginations, lifts spirits, and leaves indelible memories? That’s where we shine, and it’s why we’ve filled iconic venues like Alexandra Palace and the Trafalgar Theatre in the West End.

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So, did we win that night? Not in the traditional sense. Yet, we all felt like winners. Our audiences tell the story best. They linger long after the show, not seeking autographs but engaging in animated conversations about what they’ve just seen. They share their own stories, inspired by ours.

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So perhaps we did win—by proving that the heart of theatre is storytelling and connection, not just big productions or lavish budgets. Jamaica Love: The little show that challenged the giants of musical theatre - and won!