Producers have announced the world premiere of a brand-new musical that tells the remarkable story of iconic artist Bob Marley, which will open at the newly refurbished Lyric Theatre in London’s West End this Autumn!

Taking inspiration from Marley’s visionary lyrics to tell his extraordinary personal story, and featuring an electrifying mix of his hits played live, Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical is brought to the stage by the Olivier award-winning team comprised of writer Lee Hall and director Clint Dyer.

The show will chart the Jamaican singer-songwriter’s remarkable rise and his lasting legacy for the music industry. From his early hits with The Wailers to his advocacy of Rastafari spirituality, Marley became a cultural icon in his short 36-year life. Along with global fame and enduring hits including Is This Love, No Woman No Cry and Buffalo Soldier, Marley’s life story includes drama and strife, from an assassination attempt to a fatal illness.

The songs and life story are brought to the stage by writer Lee Hall, the talent behind blockbuster films including Rocketman and Billy Elliot, and director Clint Dyer, who recently impressed London audiences with Death of England: ‘Delroy’  at the National Theatre.

Cedella Marley (Bob Marley’s daughter) 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 Clint Dyer, and starring the fantastic Arinzé.  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.”

Rising star Arinzé Kene, who has impressed in his own play Misty and on the West End stage in Girl From the North Country, will play Bob Marley in Get Up, Stand Up!.

‘I feel absolutely honoured to be able to take on this role,’ he said. ‘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. 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.’

The show runs from 01 October 2021 to 03 April 2022.

Book your tickets here

Header Image: Photo by Dennis Morris