Trevor Marshall's wife, Caroline, visited Milton Keynes Theatre last night (25/10) to see The Commitments and here is her review...
A trip down memory lane for me tonight at the brilliant MK Theatre watching a performance of 'The Commitments', based on Roddy Doyle's novel of the same name. I was a big fan of the film and saw the band, which included some original film cast members, play at Milton Keynes' Golden Flamingo nightclub way, way, back so was looking forward to my first time at the stage musical.
The Commitments follows the efforts of Jimmy Rabbitte to form - hard - and maintain - even harder - a working class soul band in Dublin in the 1980s. The musical takes us through the funny auditions, early rocky rehearsals and slick performances, at each stage treating the audience to fantastic soul classics - I challenge you to sit still - I couldn't!
The story is hopeful and warm and although there's 'trouble' from the outset amongst the bands' big personalities , it's an exhilarating and entertaining ride. The cast is brilliant on all fronts, acting, playing and singing and although 'Deco', the lead singer, is a big-head you can't deny that voice - or physique - after a unexpected strip to his underpants....I also loved 'Imelda',' Natalie' and 'Bernie' with their great harmonies and bouncer 'Mickah' was terrifying and hilarious in equal measure.
As the story drew to an end you could sense the audience were hoping there would be more and we were not disappointed as the band came back and sung a finale of great soul tracks and everyone was up dancing. Yay! A fun night out and definitely excellent for the SOUL.
The Commitments is at Milton Keynes Theatre all this week, until Saturday 29th October 2022. More details and ticket information can be found here.
