A book, a film and then a musical The Commitments has been it all.
First published in the late 80’s it was part of The Barrytown Triology of novels by Booker prize winning author Roddy Doyle. Later in 1991 the book was made into a film winning four BAFTAs and had an Oscar nomination.
But enough wasn’t enough and in 2013 it was adapted and turned into a full blown musical which ran in London and then saw it touring the country. Now its back with the tale of these Dublin musicians and their adventures to find fame.
Adapting a book or film for the stage is a difficult task fraught with pitfalls and the final result is often lacking in substance and depth no matter how good the cast, design or direction.
This is the case with The Commitments. You couldn’t wish for a more energetic, talented cast of singers and actor musicians but the plot is flimsy and doesn’t allow time for the characters to develop with situations that are shallow and need underpinning. Combined with a very inconclusive sudden finish to the story which then transcends into a tribute style concert this makes for a very confused second act.
Andrew Linnie’s production is fast and seamless played out on Tim Blazdell’s totally amazing set which takes us from the different elements of a council estate to a pub, bingo hall and a nightclub.
Jenny Sawyer’s upbeat choreography is technical perfection in every way reflecting the period in which the show is set.
The Commitments tells the story of soul music devotee Jimmy Rabitte who dreams of forming a band to play his favourite soul music. Putting his dream into reality he recruits a couple of his musician friends and advertises for more musicians and singers auditioning them at his house.
Finally Jimmy has a ten piece band which includes three girl backing singers. Then follows the blood, sweat, tears and tantrums of battling to get their music heard anywhere around Dublin. He markets them as “Is this the hardest working band in the world”.
The Commitments is one of those shows where its hard to single out one particular performer as each of its cast members display their own particular kind of brilliance in their roles playing and belting out some of the greatest soul songs ever written with amazing vocal power and energy.
It’s the performance of songs such as ‘Knock on Wood’, ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’, ‘River Deep, Mountain High’, ‘Mustang Sally’ and ‘Try a Little Tenderness’ to name but a few that ignite the cast – the flame from which spreads to the soul music devotee audience.
Despite its sudden ending the insertion of a 7 song set, where the audience are invited to get on their feet, clap and dance sees the show transcend into a pop concert – but a concert that the audience really love.
The Commitments is a feel good factor musical that sees its audience leave the theatre happy and with memories of the 60’s and 70’s and in many cases their youth.
THE COMMITMENTS IS AT YORK GRAND OPERA HOUSE UNTIL 12 NOVEMBER
TO BOOK VISIT WWW.ATGTICKETS.COM/YORK OR CALL 0844 871 7615
Liz Coggins is a member of the Critics Circle
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