Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical is the moving inside story of Bob Marley’s extraordinary life as he battled to take his positive message of love, unity and peace around the world.
Born in the hills of rural Jamaica, part warrior part rock star, Bob Marley changed the world with his inspirational message, revolutionary spirit and musical vision.
Bringing the story of Bob Marley to life with a natural feeling of authenticity whilst capturing the time period is no easy feat, yet Get Up Stand Up The Bob Marley Musical manages to do just that.
The show sets its stall out from the start, bringing Jamaican culture to the audience to ensure they know what to expect. It’s high energy right from the start as it brings the audience along for the ride. David Albury in the swing lead role is a total show stealer, his voice and mannerisms are so like Bob Marley’s that it can be hard not to feel like you are watching the actual man himself, especially in the concert scenes.
The music is obviously what provides the life and soul of the show so it’s no surprise that this is what gives the performance its rhythm, the reggae beats can be seen to move throughout the audience like a wave.
The costume and lighting always feel authentic to the eras it moves through but the set is still stripped down with no unessasary flash or dramatics added. Similarly, the breaking of the fourth wall at the start of the show lets everyone know this will be a different style of musical than a lot of what is shown on the West End typically, it goes beyond what is usual for a duke box musical.
Bob Marley was a complicated man and Get Up Stand Up does not hide from this as it navigates the less glamorous side of his life and deals with other complex issues such as racism in Britain, both at the time and in the current day, in a manner that is powerful and moving.
Whilst it can be a little cheesy at times (and what musical isn’t) and some elements of the story can appear rushed, overall Get Up Stand Up The Bob Marley Musical is a great show with some really powerful moments. Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical plays at the Lyric Theatre until Sunday 8th January 2023, before embarking on a UK tour. Tickets start from £18 and can be booked through the London Theatre Direct website.
Tickets were gifted in exchange for review, all words and opinions are my own
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