Review: THE COMMITMENTS, Theatre Royal, Glasgow

Based on the 1987 Roddy Doyle novel and the 1991 adaptation of the same name, The Commitments is the story of a working class band determined to bring soul to working class audiences.

After a shaky start to their band, Jimmy (played by Andrew Linnie) tells the musicians that the problem isn't that they play covers, but the covers that they choose. He introduces them to soul music and after auditioning other members of the group they are quick to label themselves as "the hardest working band in music".

Act One of the performance is mostly about the band finding their sound. There isn't much of a plot but it can be forgiven due to an excellent song selection that is performed with tonnes of energy. Although on paper this might look like another jukebox musical The Commitments has a bit more..well, soul, than the rest. Each song is performed during either a gig or a rehearsal rather than shoehorned into the plot. Classics performed include "Papa Was A Rolling Stone", "Proud Mary", "Mustang Sally" and "River Deep, Mountain High".

Brian Gilligan has been perfectly cast as the arrogant frontman Deco. With a serious attitude problem but an incredible voice the rest of the band are forced to put up with him. Most of the performers are actor-musicians and everyone onstage gives it their all. The energy of the finale ensures a guaranteed standing ovation and audiences will definitely leave with a grin on their face!

Ticket information for The Commitments can be found on the Theatre Royal website.

Photo credit: Johan Persson

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