THE BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE – UNTIL SATURDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2022
REVIEWED BY NADIA DODD
5*****
The Rush Theatre Company come together to bring you their brand new narrated musical production to ‘Get Together And Feel Alright’ with The King of Reggae, The Man, The Music. Of course they are talking about the iconic Bob Marley.
The musical narrated by the amazing Ms Lyricist B, author and poet takes the audience through the life of Bob Marley from the early days in Trenchtown to becoming a Rastafari Icon. His superstardom had such a great impact on peoples’ lives all over the world, politically, religiously and he still lives on today through his music.
The iconic hits such as ‘No Woman No Cry’, ‘One Love’ and ‘Is This Love’ were mesmerizingly played live by the JA Reggae Band, nicely planted in between each narration to enable the play to flow just perfectly. We were treated to the sounds of DJ Ken Dread who also provided backing vocals as well as some great moves!
The show had it all on one stage with all performers together including musical director ReedBass. Saxophone, drums, guitars, keyboards, trumpet and percussion ensured that the extremely appreciative audience were on their feet ‘jamming’ showing that there is still plenty of love for Bob.
The buzz in the auditorium even just a few songs into the show was electric with people really showing true appreciation for what they were seeing and hearing on stage. Simple staging and lighting, no fancy props, a back screen with photographs and quotes when appropriate, it was all that was needed.
Lead vocalist IKA plays Bob Marley, great vocals, powerful voice and easy on the eye just like Bob, who was such a ladies man!
Redemption Song stood out for me personally, a song played on guitar by Reuben Reynolds and sung by IKA (Bob) with a backdrop quote from Marcus Garvey about how we have to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery to free our own minds, it was such a powerful song.
So whilst tickets are still available Birmingstrong get yours ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be Alright’.