The Commitments could possibly be described as a celebration of soul music, wrapped in the premise of a working class fairytale - but it could definitely be described as 2 hours of feel-good, laugh out loud brilliance.
Based on the 1987 novel and the 1991 film adaptation, The Commitments premiered in 2013 at the Palace Theatre in the West End and was quickly hailed as a smash hit.
It's the story of Jimmy, a young working class music fan who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians and friends into an amazing live act - in fact, by his own admission, the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced. The band get to know each other and their instruments, and proceed through early rehearsals for their first gig, however just as they improve and begin to get a name for themselves...they fall apart.
The backing singers are all getting off with a middle aged horn legend, the lead singer has entered Eurovision as a solo artist and not told anyone and the saxophone player has dangerous leaning towards a jazz career.
First thing's first - this isn't a jukebox musical. Roddy Doyle, the man behind every incarnation of the piece points out that, as all the songs are performed by the band rather than being sung by characters to express an emotion, the show transcends that sub-genre. What The Commitments also does so beautifully is create a piece which doesn't take itself too seriously, isn't afraid to poke fun at its characters and wraps it up in the greatest hits album we all want from Santa this Christmas!
In fact, the soundtrack is one of the stand-out stars of the piece. With over 20 soul classics performed live, including 'River Deep, Mountain High', 'In The Midnight Hour' and 'Mustang Sally', I defy even someone with a basic grasp of music to not know at least half of what's on offer. And those songs are performed so brilliantly by a phenomenally talented cast, it's almost impossible to stay in your seat and not join in.
I think its fair to say that the storyline isn't exactly Rodgers and Hammerstein. The plot is fairly straightforward but is the perfect conduit for the performances.
James Deegan took on the role of Deco tonight and quite literally blew us away. With hints of Mick Hucknall in his incredibly rich and soulful vocal, Deegan played the role like he'd been doing it for an eternity. He seemed so comfortable in Deco's shoes - a role which he alternates on tour - that he was a pleasure to watch. Alongside Deegan, James Kileen was our Jimmy - a character who formed an unlikely double-act with Deco. Not quite Morecambe and Wise in style, but one where the chemistry between the two performers was evident with Kileen playing a man who was clearly managing his frustration with a group of very individual band members, so competently.
Mention should also go to Ciara Mackey (Imelda), Eve Kitchengman (Natalie) and Sarah Gardiner (Bernie) for the most stunning vocals throughout. All three of them hit each harmony perfectly and their performances of songs like 'Knock On Wood' were some of the stand-out moments of the evening.
Whether you want to see some good Irish humour or belt out some classics, The Commitments definitely won't disappoint.
The show runs at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre until 15th October 2022. For more information, or to get your tickets, visit grandtheatre.co.uk.
