Just the titles ‘No Woman No Cry’, ‘Exodus’ and ‘3 Little Birds’ will remind you of the iconic artist Bob Marley and it is his musical genius that will be celebrated in new show Get Up, Stand Up! Featuring the talents of Arinzé Kene, the musical will start previews at London’s Lyric Theatre on 6 February 2021 (which would have been Marley’s 76th birthday).
Following a hugely successful workshop in 2019, producers Playful Productions, Stage Play and Trim the Wind have announced that Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Story will be brought to the stage by a multi-award-winning team. Lee Hall’s (Billy Elliot The Musical, Network) book takes direct inspiration from Marley’s visionary lyrics to tell his extraordinary personal story as an artist. The production will be directed by Dominic Cooke (Follies, Clybourne Park) and stars Arinzé Kene (Misty, Girl from the North Country).
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 Dominic Cooke, 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.”
Arinzé Kene added: “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.”
