Bob Marley musical 'Get Up, Stand Up!' announced for London's West End next year

17 February 2020, 13:57

Bob Marley musical 'Get Up, Stand Up!' announced for London's West End next year
Bob Marley musical 'Get Up, Stand Up!' announced for London's West End next year. Picture: Getty

By Rory O'Connor

A brand new musical all about Bob Marley is set to get its West End debut next year, it has been confirmed.

A new musical titled Get Up, Stand Up! will focus on the life and music of Bob Marley when it launches in 2021.

The show will open at London’s Lyric Theatre on February 6, 2021, on what would have been the musician’s 76th birthday.

The theatre production will be inspired by the story of Bob’s rise to fame and will be brought to life by Olivier Award winning duo Lee Hall and director Dominic Cooke, with actor and playwright Arinzé Kene taking on the lead role.

Bob Marley - Get Up Stand Up

Arinzé said: "I feel absolutely honoured to be able to take on this role. 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. He’s the man, I love him."

Read more: How did Bob Marley die? The Wailers icon's untimely death explained

Fans will be happy to hear the musical will feature all the classic hits such as ‘Three Little Birds’ and ‘No Woman No Cry’.

Bob Marley musical 'Get Up, Stand Up!' will open in February 2021
Bob Marley musical 'Get Up, Stand Up!' will open in February 2021. Picture: Getty

Bob Marley - Get Up Stand Up (Live)

Bob’s daughter Cedella added: "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.

Read more: Bob Marley songs: 13 of his greatest ever, ranked

"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."

Tickets for Get Up, Stand Up! will go on sale from April 21, 2020.