The Commitments - Grand Opera House, York

The Commitments film has been adapted from the novel by Booker prize winning author Roddy Doyle himself. Set in Dublin in 1985/1986 the stage version follows the same plot as the famous film.

As you might expect in Dublin, we find ourselves in a bar as the curtains open. The local bar is The Regency and within 5 minutes the first of the 20 or so soul standards are being performed, as Proud Mary lifts the audience. If you like this kind of music it is worth going to see The Commitments just for the songs alone.

There seems to be a talented group of actors and actresses who can act, sing and play musical instruments who shine in shows such as this and also ones like Dreamboats and Petticoats.

Disillusioned with the music of the mid 80's (yes there are snippets of Depeche Mode) and "playing bad versions of other people's songs" the band comes together under the direction of Jimmy (Andrew Linnie). They find solace in Deco (Brian Gilligan) and Joey The Lips ( Alex McMorran).

It was fitting that Joey arrived on a scooter just like in the film. McMorran is confident, experienced and knowledgable - he reckons he has played with all the soul greats. He can certainly make the trumpet sound soulful.

Former Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy might be better known as Curly from Corrie but he settles in well to the role as Jimmy's dad, whilst also taking on a dual role as the Caretaker at the club where the band rehearse and play. His role though was more Jack Duckworth than Curly!

Sam Fordham as skinhead Mickah is so convincing with his actions and manner, spot on you think that at some point he is going to jump off stage and tell you off if you're not enjoying the show. He was one of the funniest characters of the night, he was so natural in the role.

The first half of the show tells most of the story, whilst the second half feels more like a live gig, as the band play in front of an A&R man and the audience look on. Brian Gilligan can certainly knock out a good soul track: Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours, Papa Was A Rolling Stone and Uptight (Everything's Alright).

The audience were soon up on their feet for River Deep, Mountain High, followed by a stirring version of Try A Little Tenderness. The band say that they are "the saviours of soul" and this feel good show certainly leaves you with a smile on your face.

Highly entertaining show with a young and talented cast.


Grand Opera House, York
Runs until Saturday 18 February 2017
Telephone: 0844 871 3024
www.atgtickets.com/York


The Alhambra, Bradford
Monday 8 May to Saturday 13 May 2017
Telephone: 01274 432000
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk