The Commitments is bursting with charm, full of laughs and has plenty of feckin’ soul!
The Commitments at Birmingham Hippodrome until April 29. Photo credits: Ellie Kurttz
Written for stage by Irish author Roddy Doyle, who also penned the original novel which follows a group of wayward Irish youths, who form the soul band ‘The Commitments’. Originally premiering in 2013 at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End, The Commitments is back touring the UK and Ireland.
Nigel Pavaro as the Da of Jimmy Rabbitte
This show boasts the cast, set production and bombastic soulful tracklist to ensure you a wonderful night out. From the impressive transforming set taking you from the rough streets of Dublin, to inside the home of Jimmy Rabbitte and his Da (played by Coronation Streets’ Nigel Pivaro) to the wonderful vocal performances and instrumentation of the other stellar cast members. The Commitments fires on all cylinders to deliver an exceptionally fun and engaging theatre experience.
L-R Eve Kitchingman, Michael Mahony, Ciara Mackey, James Killeen, Sarah Gardiner, Conor Litten, Guy Freeman, Ian McIntosh
Not only does this show captivate through its immersive set and live music; with performances so flawless that you can forget that these actors are truly playing them, this production also engages the audience directly – either via threats from band security Mickah (played by Ronnie York) who commands you to clap along or else ‘face a beating’, or from the band’s frontman Deco (Ben Morris) who basks in the applause and coaxes you for more.
Band Security Mickah, played by Ronnie York
Morris is a stand-out of this production, arresting the audience with his effortless and relentless singing ability and constantly garnering laughter by playing the part of the crass, ego driven frontman to perfection. Bursting with energy on stage and often bursting out of his own clothes, Morris delivers an exceptional performance as Deco which undoubtedly contributed to the showering of applause and standing ovation at the end of the show.
To see ‘The Commitments’ is akin to seeing a true Soul Band. Crowd pleasing hits such as Proud Mary and Mustang Sally are delightfully given life on stage through actors brimming with talent and charm. Don’t miss out on this electric experience.
