GLOBE theatre critic Peter Grant previews simply the best Turner Tina tribute show - What's Love Got to Do With it? returning to Merseyside.

 

A TRIUMPHANT show celebrating the life and music of a rock and roll legend is coming back to Liverpool's Empire next week.

What's Love Got to Do With It? is on a much-awaited, massive 2020 UK tour following on the success of last year's series of sell-out concerts.

The current spectacular production arrives at the Empire on Saturday, February 15.

There is also a Wirral concert announced for the New Brighton Pavilion on July 26.

The show is a huge hit with Tina's army of fans across tne world.

The critics too, have univerally praised this hit packed homage (Wirral Globe included) to the iconic 80-year-old American singer who has enjoyed many highs and endured some lows in her life and career.

Elesha Paul Moses is the multi-talented performer who plays Tina in a series of amazing costume changes in a performance of Tina's back-catalogue of rockers and soulful ballads.

Elesha herself has been in the music business for twenty years and she has lost none of the sparkle and enthisiasm that first got her recognised.

Audiences will know her unique talent from such TV shows as X Factor - which she appeared on a decade ago alongside One Direction, Matt Cardle and Wagner.

She also appeared on The Voice in 2013, praised by Tom Jones.

Elesha has also received rave reviews for her starring role as another legend - Whitney Houston in the other best-selling stage tribute Queen of the Night.

For now playing two rock and roll divas is demanding but rewarding for the hard-working mum of two.

This slick Tina Turner tribute has now been on the road for a year and Elisha tells me that she is loving every minute from the glitzy shows themselves to meeting the fans.

She adds: "There has been so much love for the production from followers across the UK especially on social media ... it's been amazing and at times overwhelming.

"I've been working hard on the vocals.

"It's a show we love to perform and the reaction is worth it.

"The band, backing singers and costumes are all fantastic."

She says preparing for the 2020 trek is exciting because she knows how fans react - especially on Merseyside.

Elesha adds: "I love hearing them singing and dancing along."

The star in her own right says there are so many Tina classics she sings that it's hard to choose a favourite.

She belts out songs from Typical Male to I Can't Stand the Rain every night, but one song that stands out for her has now become a tour highlight for her and it's her own favourite number.

"It has to be Proud Mary," she says with a beaming smile.

But she says there are so many classic hits to sing it is really apt that Tina is affectionately regarded as one of the greatest, versatile singer and recording stars of the past six decades.

A true inspiration.

Says Elesha: "She is simply the best because she is an all- rounder.

"Her songs have never gone away. She appeals to men and women.

"Tina has had difficulties over the years but has come through it all.

"I think people know and respect that side of her story as well as the brilliant music she has given us all."

What's Love Got to Do With It? is at the Liverpool Empire next Saturday (February 15).

Tickets are from 0844 871 3017.

Tickets for the concert at Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on Thursday, July 16 are from 0151 666 0000.