Review: The Commitments at the Palace Theatre

The Commitments

Palace Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 8th October 2013

With a score packed with classic soul songs, London's latest new musical has been adapted for the stage by Roddy Doyle from his novel of the same name, twenty-five years after it was published. Slickly put together and featuring a rock solid cast bursting with fresh new talent, there is an exciting buzz surrounding The Commitments which is directed by Jamie Lloyd, the man everybody is talking about.

Prior to seeing the show I made the conscious decision not to read the novel or watch the hugely popular 1991 film adaptation as I wanted to watch The Commitments completely fresh-minded so I could see if it stands strong as a piece of theatre in its own right. I must admit that as I took my seat I realised that I did not have the slightest clue what to expect... two and a half hours later I left the theatre half-deaf and very impressed.

The Commitments is about a young working class music fan, Jimmy Rabitte, who auditions all sorts of amateur musicians with the aim of putting together the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced. Once the band is assembled, the musical follows the highs, lows and troubles that the band, called The Commitments, face. 

Without doubt The Commitments is Killian Donnelly's show. From the first to the last note he sings as Deco, Killian (pictured right) owns the stage in every way possible and showcases his incredible vocal tones and talents, even when drinking and stuffing his face with chips. I don't know how it is possible for Killian to speak after one show, let alone how he does eight shows a week. 

The whole cast are bursting with charm, energy and charisma. The Commitments marks many of the casts West End debuts, which gives the musical a very exciting, fresh feel. While all 'The Commitments' bounce off each other and the audience well, a special mention must go to Mark Dugdale (Derek) who stole most of the laughs during the opening scenes.

In the wrong hands The Commitments could easily have been a huge disaster but thankfully the show has clearly received a lot of love, care and attention from its creative team. Artistically the show is impressive. The huge, detailed set along with Roddy Doyle’s choppy writing, particularly during the opening sequence, gives The Commitments a very cinematic feel. 

Jamie Lloyd's direction is very clever. Overall The Commitments is a naturalistic and relatable piece of theatre, but Jamie Lloyd has added a touch of style to proceedings. I love the way in which the stagehands have been incorporated into the piece, particularly the use of the hose when it’s referenced as 'pouring with rain'. These subtle touches never become too much, but they bring a lot to the piece and make this musical adaptation stand apart as a piece of theatre in its own right. The Commitments is certainly not just a group of actors imitating the film. 

My main complaint is that although Roddy Doyle’s writing is witty, it could be funnier. The show is full of all these big characters and has the potential to provide some very comical moments. While I chuckled many times, I never found myself in hysterics which is a great shame. Featuring a lot of swearing, this is certainly not a family musical. The production’s other main weakness lies in the storyline which falls a little flat in places – not a lot actually happens over the course of the show. However, as the music is performed in context, at no point does The Commitments feel forced like other jukebox musicals, the songs come naturally.

The Commitments is a very passionate piece of theatre and the cast seem to be having a ball which (unsurprisingly) rubs off on the audience. The musical is one of these shows which forces its audiences to their feet for the finale, whether they want to or not. Although I wasn't totally convinced by the overuse of audience participation before the final few numbers (there was a competition to see which tier could yell the loudest) I had a fantastic evening watching a very fresh, exciting and loud piece of theatre. The Commitments is certainly London’s new wildest show.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

The Commitments is currently booking at the Palace Theatre until 19th October 2014.
Click here to book tickets.

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