The Commitments

The Commitments at Manchester Palace Theatre

"The musical we've been waiting for. So good I almost wept."

The Sunday Times

Why see The Commitments?

And now, The Commitments!

Based on Roddy Doyle's 1987 novel (and subsequent film) and adapted for the stage by Doyle himself, The Commitments is the story of a rag-tag bunch of musicians who, along with a shared love of Motown, hope with a little hard work, to become the finest soul band in Ireland.

Featuring sweet-soul classics from the Motown songbook such as 'Papa was a Rolling Stone', 'Think' and the riotous 'Try A Little Tenderness', The Commitments is a sarcastic, smart and soulful comedy that will surprise even the biggest musical naysayer.

And 1,2,3,4!

Wannabe musical impresario Jimmy Rabbite is surprised by the responses to his classified ad in the Hot Press. The result of auditions turns up an unlikely lot, but un-fazed, Jimmy sets out to do the impossible, train these amateurs into a soul band!

Set against the rainy concrete bleakness of late 1980's Dublin, the raucous Commitments learn to play together, whilst struggling to contend with all the chaos that comes along with success, including in-fighting, sparring egos and er.. Strengthening inter-band relationships?

This is a visual and passionate show, capturing the glee, fiery madness and hope that comes with being in, and being with, this motley crew of a soul group.

Did you know?

The Commitments is part of a trilogy of Roddy Doyle novels, the second and third being 'The Snapper' and 'The Van.'

Key Information

Audience

The Commitments is suitable for audiences aged 12 and upwards

Run Time

Two hours and 15 minutes with one interval

Dates

Finished 10 Jun 2023

Cast

Nigel Pivaro as Da
Ian McIntosh as Deco
James Killeen as Jimmy
Stuart Reid as Joey
Ciara Mackey as Imelda
Michael Mahony as Oustpan
Ryan Kelly as Billy
Conor Litten as Dean
Guy Freeman as Derek
Stephen O'Riain as James
Ronnie Yorke as Mickah
Eve Kitchingman as Natalie
Sarah Gardiner as Bernie

ENSEMBLE
Maryann Lynch, Alice Croft, James Deegan, Callum Martin, Joshua Barton, Ed Thorpe and Colm Gleeson

Creative

Directed by Andrew Linnie

Reviews

Customer reviews

26 reviews, average rating: (4.2 Stars)

Yasmin Al-Sheklly

A light-hearted musical with hits that are full of soul

What is the plot of The Commitments? Jimmy is no longer interested in his job at a sweet factory. As a result he decides to form a band to create music that is targeted at the working class people of Dublin. The band starts off with just two of his friends. This results in Jimmy holding a series of auditions in order to put a band together. This is where the Commitments are born. This production gives an insight into the highs and lows of the Commitments’ journey to success. This includes exams, religion, Eurovision, the possible split and the broken nose. What themes are explored in The Commitments? The themes that are explored in The Commitments are friendship, love, fame, success, jealousy, music, family and unity. Cast Ronnie Yorke was brilliant as Mickah. He had a great stage presence and was charismatic. His comedic timing was second to none. His attention to detail was spot on. Ben Morris was superb as Deco. His vocal range was flawless. He has bags of potential. He is a talent to watch. James Killeen plays the role of Jimmy with ease and gusto. His dry humour is what gives the show a realistic touch. His dreams of becoming famous with the band comes across brilliantly to the audience. We also see his softer side especially with his on screen dad (Nigel Pivaro). Nigel Pivaro as the dad was full of emotion. This is particularly the case when he shows appreciation for his son Jimmy and how proud he is of everything that he has achieved. They are a great partnership on stage and their chemistry is infectious to watch. Ciara Mackey, Sarah Gardiner and Eve Kitchingman were incredible as the backing singers. They were strong, feisty, and full of sass. They sang their hearts off and their harmonies were off the scale. Stuart Reid was full of charm and wit as Joey The Lips. He provides moments of light relief and he is a charmer yes being romantic with all 3 backing singers. He makes the role his own. This cast is a talented bunch who all have great chemistry with each other. Their work rate was amazing all together as a team regardless of how big or small their roles were. It was a credit to watch. Script The script is so relatable, funny and warm where you feel as if you are watching a couple of friends at the pub making fun of each other. There are great witty moments such as Deco sorting out his junk whilst standing there with nothing but his Y-fronts. Another moment is where he puts his finger around his belly button and then sniffing his finger. These are some of the moments in which the audience laughed out loud. Sets Tim Blazdell’s set design is a fascinating one. It is simple but effective. There are a number of doors on the lower level which show Jimmy and his dad’s living room with stairs that go to Jimmy’s bedroom. A change of lighting turns it into a club balcony. The multiple doors show a variety of different locations including Joey’s garage where the band rehearse, a bar and a butchers. The use of props added a magic touch to the production. This included the sweet factory canteen table and a butchers uniform. In addition having numerous locations simultaneously helped in speeding the pace of the show. Soundtrack What makes this production a hit is the soundtrack which is full of rock and roll in addition to soul. It is full of amazing songs sung by legends including the likes of Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger, Mack Rice, and Jimmy Ruffin. The highlights were Signed, Sealed and Delivered, I Heard It Through The Crapevine, Mustang Sally, I Can’t Get No Satisfaction, and River Deep Mountain High. They added energy and vitality to this production. The finale was a mini concert where you could sing, dance, clap, and wear your hair down to these amazing songs. This gave positive vibes meaning that you would leave the auditorium with a big smile on your face. If you love a show with a talented cast, a good story and showstopping hits then The Commitments is the show for you. ... Read more

Col

Fantastic!

What a great feel good show, I enjoyed every minute of it. What a talented cast, such great singing , acting and dancing. Just fantastic, go and see it! ... Read more

Ian West

Awesome

Had the pleasure of watching this show yesterday afternoon 22/4.... Absolutely fantastic from start to finish Everyone involved should be really proud of themselves.. Nice one to all the cast for an absolutely brilliant show Top class 👍 ... Read more
All your reviews

NEWS, TICKETS, THEATRE & MORE

"Broadway and show news straight to your inbox!"
Read how we protect your data .

SHARE THE LOVE