Was it worth the wait, to see ‘the hardest working band in the world’ The Commitments? There was a long delay on Monday for the show to start, instead of the normal excitement in the lobby of Theatre Royal, there was concern we might be all sent home. Finally we took our seats only for there to be another 15 minute wait, slow hand clapping began, but the show started eventually just after 8pm, without any explanation, odd! It was going to take a great performance to win back the audience.
The story of The Commitments the touring production is based on the book written by Roddy Doyle set in working class North Dublin. This is where we meet Jimmy Rabbitte, he advertises for wannabes to make up a band, this part of the show, like the film and the book before it is genuinely funny.
The band rehearses and eventually gets their first gig, once the music gets going with all the great soul classics the stars of the show start to shine.
Brian Gilligan as Deco was without a doubt the saviour of the show on Monday night he wanted to entertain the audience and they in turn were, he was comedic and is a polished performer. His rendition of Mr Pitiful, and Try a Little Tenderness was a standout as was the girls River Deep Mountain High by the lovely three girls, Amy and Leah Penston and Christina Tedders.
So was it worth the wait, to see ‘the hardest working band in the world’ The Commitments?
At the encore stage with the whole cast singing, the feel good factor kicked properly in, so on balance the audience went home happy.
The Commitments are at Theatre Royal Nottingham till Saturday 12th get your tickets here: www.trch.co.uk
Review by Ann Taylor
