Bob Marley Musical, Get Up, Stand Up! to Open in London's West End in 2021

Let's get together and feel all right, because a new Bob Marley bio-musical is coming to the West End. The new show, titled Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Story, will begin previews at the Lyric Theatre on London's West End February 6, 2021, on what would have been the reggae legend's 76th birthday. The musical features a book by Olivier and Tony winner Lee Hall and will be directed by Olivier winner Dominic Cooke. Arinzé Kene will play Marley, and the show will include Marley's most iconic songs, such as "No Woman No Cry," "Exodus 3," "3 Little Birds," and the title song, "Get Up Stand Up." 

Born in Jamaica in 1945, Marley is considered a music pioneer for his blend of reggae, ska and rocksteady. He died in 1981 at the age of 36. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. "I feel absolutely honored to be able to take on this role," said Kene in a statement. "It is not only an honor 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. He’s the man, I love him.” Kene's other credits include his one-man show Misty on the West End, the Bob Dylan-inspired musical Girl From the North Country on the West End, and Death of a Salesman at the Young Vic Theatre. Kene has also played real-life musicians before; he played Sam Cooke in One Night in Miami at the Donmar Warehouse.

The musical has the approval of Marley's family. "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," says Marley's daughter Cedella in a statement. "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.” 

Get Up, Stand Up! is produced by Playful Productions, Stage Play and Trim the Wind.