Kobna Holdbrook-Smith is rising through the acting ranks after being cast to play Ike Turner in the highly anticipated Tina: The Musical stage production, at the Aldwych Theatre from March 2018.

Endorsed by Tina Turner herself, the Ghanaian actor will portray the man who abused the pop icon throughout their marriage. Although not a newcomer to the London stage, Holdbrook-Smith’s turn as Turner’s violent former husband in the musical will be his first leading role. His previous credits include the Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at the National Theatre and Hamlet at the Barbican alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, for which he earned a Best Supporting Actor in a Play nomination at the 2016 WhatsOnStage Awards. In addition, the actor is also gaining attention for his film work, with appearances in recent hit blockbusters Justice League and Paddington 2, and roles in the upcoming films Mary Poppins Returns and The Commuter, both released next year.