Theatre News

Marc Bolan musical 20th Century Boy announces 2014 tour and 'West End transfer'

The show was first seen at the New Wolsey, Ipswich in 2011

George Maguire as Marc Bolan in 20th Century Boy at the New Wolsey
George Maguire as Marc Bolan in 20th Century Boy at the New Wolsey

20th Century Boy, the musical inspired by rock legend Marc Bolan, has announced dates for a 2014 UK tour and plans for a West End transfer.

The show, which centres on the life of Bolan and his band T.Rex, is billed as a "celebration of glam rock at its colourful best".

Directed and choreographed by Gary Lloyd (Thriller Live) and written by Peter Rowe, it was first seen at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich in September 2011 and returned with a run at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry in September 2012.

20th Century Boy features memorable Marc Bolan and T.Rex hits including "Ride A White Swan", "I Love To Boogie", "Get It On" and the title song.

The 2014 tour opens at Eden Court, Inverness on 18-19 April, before visiting:

Manchester Opera House (22-26 April), Birmingham Alexandra (28 April-3 May), Southampton Mayflower (6-10 May), Bristol Hippodrome (12-17 May), Sunderland Empire (19-24 May), York Grand Opera House (26-31 May), Belfast Grand Opera House (2-7 June), Woking New Victoria (9-14 June), Cardiff New Theatre (17-21 June), Wimbledon New Theatre (23-28 June), Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (30 June-5 July) and Plymouth Theatre Royal (7-12 July).

Bolan’s son Rolan said, "Musical tastes change throughout a lifetime but there is always a band that stays close to our hearts and the music of T.Rex and my father, Marc Bolan, is still treasured by fans and continues to find many more admirers. Through song, laughter and tears, we come together to remember and keep a little of Marc in our hearts."

Producer Nicky Graham added: "Every day I used to drive past the tree on Barnes Common where Marc tragically lost his life. The site has become a shrine for Bolan fans from all over the world. We were inspired to hold a sell-out concert at Shepherd’s Bush Empire to celebrate Marc’s life and from there the idea of the musical was born."

Further details for the planned West End transfer are still to be confirmed.