Through The Forrest

THROUGH THE FORREST: REDEMPTION IN THE SONGS OF BOB MARLEY

Fringe Review: Duane Forrest – Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World

The Arch, Holden Street Theatres – 12 March 2026

Walking into The Arch felt like stepping into a small, dimly lit chapel in Kingston, Jamaica — intimate, warm, and charged with quiet anticipation.

Duane Forrest sauntered down the aisle, gently strumming his guitar, with dreadlocks bobbing. He reached the stage, slowly turned, and with a beaming smile bellowed, “Ooh, yeah! …Alright… We’re jamming… I wanna jam it with you,” as he launched into Bob Marley’s 'Jammin’.

Next up was 'Do the Reggay' by Toots and the Maytals. Forrest invited the crowd to join in on the choruses throughout the night — sing, hum, whistle, snap our fingers — whatever felt right was cool. A simple but clever way of making everyone feel included.

Before long the crowd was joyfully answering “yeah” at the end of each song line. Smiles appeared around the room — the kind of easy connection reggae creates.

Tone set, crowd on board. Now it was time for heartfelt stories, reggae songs, some new Jamaican words, and a few quiz questions for good measure.

The mood shifted beautifully as the first notes of 'People Get Ready' were played. A quiet, communal “ahhh” ran through the crowd — the kind of moment when you know something special is happening. The peaceful opening of the song set the scene for the early chapters of Bob Marley’s story, gently guiding the audience through the history behind the music.

Forrest reminded the audience that reggae has always carried messages far beyond music. He reflected on the famous moment at the 1978 One Love Peace Concert when Marley brought Jamaica’s rival political leaders Michael Manley and Edward Seaga together on stage and joined their hands before the crowd — one of the most powerful moments in music history — a symbol of unity in a divided country.

Forrest closed the evening with Marley’s Redemption Song, his favourite song to perform. Just voice and guitar. Nothing else. Honest, heartfelt and sincere — a fitting end to a show about reggae, resilience, hope and freedom. A thoughtful, engaging performance that quietly reminds us of the power music can have to bring people together.

As the final chords faded, the room stayed silent, and we soaked up the magic of the musical journey we just shared.

Night Owl Shows Adelaide Fringe
Holden Street Theatres
*pic credit - K.Needs