Bob Marley musical sets world premiere

Delayed by COVID, the musical will now premiere at  the Lyric Theatre in London in October 2021

Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical will make its world premiere at the newly refurbished Lyric Theatre in London in October 2021. Produced by Playful Productions, Stage Play and Cedella Marley, Get Up, Stand Up! was workshopped in London in 2019 and was scheduled to open on what would have been Marley’s 76th birthday on February 6, 2021, but delayed due to COVID restrictions.

From his early years in Jamaica to a career and life spanning music, faith and politics, Bob Marley’s resolute belief in liberation and love is celebrated by fans across the globe. With unlimited access to Marley’s back catalogue of music, Get Up, Stand Up! brings his story to the stage, backed by an award-winning creative team including writer Lee Hall, director Clint Dyer, and acclaimed actor Arinzé Kene.

“Our father’s music has for so long been an inspiration to so many people. We are proud that audiences will be able to sit in his company for a little while and, we hope, feel better about themselves, and the world. The wonderful team bringing this story to the stage will create a special evening in honour of our father,” shares Cedella Marley.

“It is Time. For. Bob. I am honored and blessed to be taking on this role. Nothing feels more right, more hopeful than to be stepping into his shoes. I plan to immerse myself in his healing vibes and I hope very much we will be able to do justice to the great man,” adds Kene.

Songs featured in the musical include “Exodus,” “No Woman No Cry,” “Waiting in Vain,” “Three Little Birds,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” “Could You Be Loved,” “Redemption Song” and more. Whether through his songs, his spirit or his social conscience, Bob Marley remains an inspiration almost 30 years after his death. Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical is a triumphant and passionate tribute to Jamaica’s greatest star, set to liven up the West End from October 2021.

Arinzé Kene stars as Bob Marley. Kene is an Olivier Award nominated actor and playwright. His credits include Misty (actor and playwright) at Bush Theatre and Trafalgar Studios and Death of a Salesman, alongside Wendell Pierce, at the Young Vic Theatre. Clint Dyer directs, having previously earned acclaim for Death of England and Death of England: Delroy at the National Theatre. Lee Hall writes the book for Get Up, Stand Up! with previous work including hit musical Billy Elliott.

Tickets for the two and a half hour show with intermission are available now via Seat Plan.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com