Review: 'Legend - the music of Bob Marley' at Kingston's Rose Theatre

By Tilly O'Brien 27th Oct 2024

West End musical 'Legend - the music of Bob Marley played at the Rose Theatre on Wednesday 23 October (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)
West End musical 'Legend - the music of Bob Marley played at the Rose Theatre on Wednesday 23 October (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

On Wednesday 23 October, the West End show 'Legend- the music of Bob Marley' came to Kingston's Rose Theatre for one night only and Kingsley Ben-Adir (Bob Marley) spread the good vibes and had everyone on their feet from start to finish. 

Beginning with 'Exodus', Ben-Adir immediately embodied the reggae legend, expertly mimicking the soft huskiness of Marley's recognisable harmonies. 

And, urging the "Rastafarian" audience to get up, stand up, and join him in grooving to the sweet beats, there were few seats on bums throughout the whole performance. 

The staging was simple, but just right, with its soft lighting, with the red, yellow, and green ambience representing the Jamaican flag.

Moreover, Ben-Adir was accompanied by two female backing singers, who danced in perfect sync, a bass guitarist dressed in colours of the Jamaican flag, and a drummer, allowing Ben-Adir to take soul focus of the stage.

KIngsley Ben-Adir was acxompanied by two backing singers, a bass guitarist, and a drummer during the show (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Now, unfortunately I never had the pleasure of seeing Marley perform live, but, as a Marley superfan, I would say that Ben-Adir will have done him proud.

But what I enjoyed most was the clear love in the room, with the audience coming together to enjoy their shared passion for classic reggae music.

Moreover, I loved seeing the audience busting their best dance moves, and I'll admit, I struggled to stop my hips from swaying throughout.

The set, which lasted for two hours and ended at 9.30pm – the perfect time for a Wednesday night – consisted of Marley's best-known, timeless tracks, including 'One Love', 'No Woman No Cry', 'Three Little Birds', 'Jammin'', 'Buffalo Soldier', 'Stir It Up', 'Get Up Stand Up', 'Exodus', 'Waiting in Vain', 'Satisfy My Soul', 'Iron Lion Zion', and 'I Shot the Sheriff'.

To end the set, after a little closing teaser, Ben-Adir and the team treated the audience to a fantastic rendition of the infamous 'Could You Be Loved', which had everyone up on their feet.

It truly was the perfect ending to a perfect night filled with love, good vibes, and good music.

     

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