20th Century Boy – The Smash Hit Marc Bolan Musical Comes to the Manchester Opera House

Harry Cannell | 8th April 2018

Marc Bolan and T. Rex ruled the charts back in the early ‘70s. With their unique electric boogie sound and flamboyant image, they pioneered what would become glam rock. Now, over 40 years after Bolan’s untimely death, hit musical 20th Century Boy returns to the stage to look back at his extraordinary life and career.

16th September 1977. Glam rock titans T. Rex are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, thanks to ITV Granada’s new pop show Marc, hosted by – you guessed it – their very own Marc Bolan. Bolan will turn 30 in just a fortnight, and he’s been out for the evening with his girlfriend, northern soul legend Gloria Jones. In a cruel twist of fate, they are involved in a car accident that claims Bolan’s life.

Marc Bolan might have left us far too soon, but his musical legacy has gone nowhere. It’s celebrated in the musical 20th Century Boy, which comes to the Manchester Opera House from Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st April. The show tells the story of Bolan’s early life and rise to fame with his band Tyrannosaurus Rex (later – and perhaps better – known simply as T. Rex).

20th Century Boy will have audiences dancing in the aisles to era-defining glam chartbusters such as Hot Love, Get It On, Metal Guru and I Love to Boogie. The show first opened in Ipswich back in 2011, and returns with a new script written by Colin Giffin and Nicky Graham.

Bolan will be played by stage star George Maguire, who has been involved with the show since the early workshop stages. In 2015, Maguire won an Olivier award for his portrayal of Kinks guitarist Dave Davies in the Harold Pinter Theatre’s production of Sunny Afternoon. His other credits include Quadrophenia, Fame and Hair, as well as TV appearances in EastEnders, Prime Suspect and Crossroads.

Director John Maher has previously worked on such hit shows as Thriller Live and We Will Rock You. A native Australian, he completed a music degree at the NSW Conservatorium, and has since worked with artists ranging from Macy Gray to Dr Hook.

The tragic events of that night back in 1977 will forever be tinged with irony – Marc Bolan never actually learned to drive for fear of crashing and died in a car driven by someone else. But 20th Century Boy ensures the Electric Warrior’s music will live on forever. Catch a bright star, place it on your forehead, and ride a white swan down to the Manchester Opera House!

20th Century Boy comes to the Manchester Opera House from Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st April. Click here to buy tickets.

Meanwhile, funnyman Jack Whitehall will be playing Bolan in an episode of Sky Arts’ anthology series Urban Myths. When Bowie Met Bolan be available on demand from Thursday 12th April. Click here to find out more.