Tina Turner joyful at surviving domestic abuse

Tina Turner has found “joy” in her survival of domestic abuse.

The life of the 83-year-old singer is documented in the West End musical Tina, which follows her story from being small-town singing prodigy Anna Mae Bullock to finding fame alongside abusive partner Ike Turner, before making it as a superstar on her own.

As the show celebrated its fifth anniversary at the Aldwych Theatre in London last Tuesday, Turner explained that she wanted theatregoers to embrace the positive aspects of her story.

Speaking on stage ahead of the anniversary performance, a producer read a statement on behalf of the singer, in which she said: “My story is a survivor’s story but in survival, there is joy. So let tonight be a sharing of joy.”

The jukebox musical – which features classic songs such as What’s Love Got to do With It? and Proud Mary amongst its score – teamed up with domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid as part of the anniversary celebrations. After the show, ambassador and Olympian Michelle Griffith-Robinson reminded the audience that anyone can become a victim of abuse, whatever their circumstance.

She said: “We will continue to strive, we will continue to fight. We mustn’t forget that Tina Turner has continued her own legacy through her own trauma. Remember that. Nobody is exempt from violence, it doesn’t matter what background you come from or what colour you are?’”

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is currently running at the Aldwych Theatre in London.