LYCEUM, SHEFFIELD – UNTIL 26 OCTOBER 2023
Reviewed by Alison Beaumont
4****
The Rush Theatre Company brings this narrated musical production about The King of Reggae, Bob Marley. From a Government yard in Trenchtown to Rastafari Icon. This production tells the story of the life of Marley including aspects of his musical, spiritual and political life and how his music has impacted everyone across the world.
The story is narrated by Andrina Davis and she certainly was the right person for this role, you could tell she wasn’t just playing a role she was fully immersed in making sure the audience knew the full story of Bob Marley.
Bob Marley himself was played by Ika who is very talented and had remarkable vocals. He was accompanied by the King of Reggae Band. For me the star of the band was the saxophone player, she was absolutely amazing. Both herself and the other band member on the brass instruments were definitely feeling the music, the other band members seemed so laid back in comparison.
There was a little microphone glitch in one song but this was quickly sorted whilst the performance carried on.
This production is all about audience participation which adds to making this a great night out for any lover of reggae music. During the first Act, Ika stopped the song Treat you Right to get everyone up on their feet. During the 2nd half, the audience were feeling the music more. You felt like you were at a concert rather than the theatre.
The show ended when they all came back on stage to sing the all time favourites of One Love and Don’t Worry about a Thing. Such a great way to end with everyone up on their feet.