The Commitments: Review

Twenty-two years after the smash hit movie, 'The Commitments' are back together again in a brand new stage show.

Adapted from his own book by Roddy Doyle, the play follows Dubliner Jimmy Rabbitte as he bids to put together the world's greatest soul band.

Aided by veteran musician Joey, Jimmy assembles a ramshackle bunch of performers led by the troubled but talented Deco who - against all odds - manage to make sweet soul music together.

But then just as they are on the verge of big things - disaster strikes.

With a setlist that includes the likes of 'Knock On Wood', 'Read Out I'll Be There', 'You Keep Me Hangin' On' and 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone', it would be easy to lump 'The Commitments' in with other big 'jukebox musicals'. However, having the band perform the tracks as part of their rehearsals and live gigs makes the songs less of a plot device and more of an integral part of the show.

Killian Donnelly is outstanding as Jimmy thanks to an incredible voice and an unforgettable scene where he eats chips while singing a Marvin Gaye classic.

He heads up a strong ensemble cast that also includes Denis Grindel as the charasmatic ringleader Jimmy, Joe Woolmer as hilarious skinhead Mickah and Sean Kearns, who provides comic support as both Jimmy's Da and the Caretaker.

Despite some uneven pacing that means that the second half can't quite match the momentum of the first and an ending that feels a bit rushed, a rousing encore has everyone on their feet.

This is a raucous addition to London's West End.

'The Commitments' is at London's Palace Theatre. For more information and tickets go to http://www.thecommitmentslondon.com/