Preview of the musical will begin on what would have been Marley’s 76th birthday
A new musical telling the story of reggae star Bob Marley is set to open in London’s West End next year, it has been announced.
Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Story will take inspiration from the lyrics of several of Marley’s biggest hits, including No Woman No Cry, Exodus, and Three Little Birds.
Previews of the musical, which will be staged at the newly-refurbished Lyric Theatre, will begin on 6 February 2021 to mark what would have been Marley’s 76th birthday.
Hit songs
The production has been written by Lee Hall, who wrote the lyrics for Billy Elliot the Musical, and will be directed by Dominic Cooke, both of whom have won Olivier Awards for their work.
Meanwhile the role of Marley, who died in 1981 from a form of skin cancer, will be played by 32-year-old actor Arinzé Kene, who said he was “absolutely honoured” to be starring as the singer.
“It is not only an honour to be able to spread Bob Marley’s message further, but to get to be him for a little while is a lifelong dream come true,” he said.
“I grew up on his music and his mantra and he has been one of my role models since I was a child. I feel as if he’s in my DNA. He’s the man, I love him.”
Marley’s daughter Cedella said: “Our father’s music means so much to so many people around the world.
“We’re beyond thrilled to be able to bring it to both fans and new audiences alike in a new way led by the stellar team of Lee Hall and Dominic Cooke, and starring the fantastic Arinzé.
Creative inspiration
“As a family we feel that our father would be proud to know that his legacy is a source of creative inspiration and continues to bring people together.”
Marley has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page drawing more than 71 million fans.
