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The Commitments is a musical made for anyone with a heart of soul!
Based on the book, and film, of the same name, this Irish cult classic was finally adapted into a feel-good musical in 2013. And it’s on tour in the UK!
Don’t forget to read my review of Greatest Days – a Take That musical
The hardest working band
It’s the 1980s in Dublin. Jimmy has a dream to start his own home-grown, working-class soul band. After placing an ad calling out for musicians, and tapping into his local contacts, he assembles his new band, The Commitments.
This motley crew might have a lot of talent, but their real challenge to success is getting along. Feisty personalities paired with fame hungry individuals, and lots of kiss and telling, makes for a rocky start. Can this rowdy amateur lot make it in the big leagues?
The staging is genius. You’re immediately transported into a rough, council estate with concreate balconies and battered garages. And with a lot of creative engineering, the set morphs into a pub, home and shop seamlessly. The momentary use of rain truly sets this in a cold and wet Irish town.
It’s feels authentic, genuine and grounded, which is crucial given the blue-collar setting. A huge amount of this is down to the comedy. The kind of humour only those facing hardships can have. It is properly funny.
BEN MORRIS as Deco has typical front man syndrome. Selfish, full of himself and chaotic. With a stunning set of pipes! JAMES KILLEEN as the band manager, Jimmy, is laid back and controlled. A much-needed bit of stability for this unruly band.
The terrific trio of singers, CIARA MACKEY, EVE KITCHINGMAN and SARAH GARDINER bring the girl power. A special mention must go to RONNIE YORKE as bouncer turned drummer, Mickah. A loose canon with violence at his core. He steals the comedic limelight whenever he is on stage.
A musical medley
And it is packed to the rafters with soul and Motown music. This is no jukebox musical. The band play tunes as they’re practising for real. Expect to bop along to “Try A Little Tenderness”, “River Deep, Mountain High” and “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”. I appreciated the concert at the end. It’s a chance for fans to get up to sing and dance along to their favourite tracks.
“Soul is a good time” and so is this musical! The Commitments is a celebration of good music and good times so make sure you take good company.
Playing at Manchester Opera House until Saturday 10 June 2023.