FROM STARS IN THEIR EYES TO SIMPLY THE BEST- THE UNSTOPPABLE RISE OF JUSTINE RIDDOCH ' S ' TOTALLY TINA '
There ' s a moment in every " Totally Tina " show when the distinction between tribute and reality blurs. The trademark legs, the fierce presence, that unmistakable raspy powerhouse of a voice – for a fleeting second, you ' d swear Tina Turner herself had materialised before your eyes. That ' s the magic Justine Riddoch has perfected over 16 remarkable years.
I first encountered Justine at The Buz Awards – a name that transports me back to the early 2000s music scene. Back then, she was fresh off her 2002 " Stars in Their Eyes " victory as Anastacia, belting out " I ' m Outta Love " with the same fierce commitment she brings to everything. Even then, there was something special about her stage presence – an authenticity that defied the " tribute act " label.
" When people started telling me I sounded like Tina, I was flattered but hesitant," Justine tells me as we catch up before her upcoming Gladstone Theatre show. " Anastacia was working brilliantly, but when she stopped releasing new material, I took a leap of faith." That leap has transformed into a record-breaking run that ' s seen " Totally Tina " crowned with multiple National Tribute Music Awards, including the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award – unprecedented recognition for a tribute act.
What separates Justine from countless other tribute performers is her meticulous attention to detail. She ' s spent countless hours studying Turner ' s movements, vocal techniques, and life story. " It ' s never been about just hitting the notes," she explains. " It ' s about capturing her spirit, her resilience, her journey."
The production values have evolved dramatically since those early Liverpool days. Today ' s show features a powerhouse band, dazzling dancers, and production elements that rival major touring acts. The setlist masterfully balances iconic hits like " Simply the Best " and " Proud Mary " with deeper cuts and surprises that keep longtime fans returning year after year.
" We ' ve added some Stones covers this year – ' Jumping Jack Flash ' and ' Honky Tonk Woman ' – that Tina absolutely owned in her performances," Justine reveals. " The audience reaction has been electric."
What ' s striking about Justine offstage is her humility. Despite being the longest-running and most decorated Tina Turner tribute act globally, she deflects praise to her band, crew, and the loyal fan community that spans continents.
" We ' ve played everywhere from intimate UK venues to festivals in Switzerland – Tina ' s adopted home country," she says proudly. " That was particularly special, performing her music in the place she chose to spend her final years."
The upcoming Port Sunlight performance promises to be a highlight of their 2025 tour. The historic Gladstone Theatre provides the perfect intimate setting for the high-energy spectacle that is " Totally Tina."
As our conversation winds down, I ' m struck by how the enthusiastic performer I met all those years ago has evolved into a consummate professional who ' s created something truly unique in the tribute world. " Totally Tina " isn ' t just a recreation – it ' s a loving celebration crafted by someone who understands that honouring a legend means capturing their essence, not just their sound.
Whether you ' re a lifelong Tina Turner devotee or discovering her catalogue for the first time, Justine and her exceptional team deliver an experience that stands on its own artistic merits while paying the ultimate respect to a true icon.
Don ' t miss your chance to shake a tail feather with " Totally Tina " at the Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight on Friday, May 2nd, 2025. Doors open at 7:00pm, with the show beginning at 7:30pm.
Tickets available at the box office: 0151 643 8757. wirrallife. com 71