The Commitments musical is adapted from the novel by Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle and based on the classic 1991 BAFTA-winning film of the same name. It tells the story of an unemployed working-class Dublin lad - Jimmy Rabbitte (here played by James Killeen) - who puts together a soul band from a dubious group of amateur musicians and friends.

Premiering in 2013 and currently touring the UK & Ireland - five years after a record-breaking run in the London West End - the show boasts a vibrant Motown soundtrack featuring more than 20 soul classics, including Try A Little Tenderness, Mustang Sally and Reach Out. 

It also features former Coronation Street star Nigel Pivaro, who gets plenty of laughs in the role of Jimmy’s Da and head of the Rabbitte household. 

The band play their own instruments and sing superbly. Lead vocalist Deco (James Deegan), whilst not always likeable, is certainly charismatic, and belts out the show’s songs with real gusto. He’s ably supported by backing singers Imelda (Ciara Mackey), Bernie (Sarah Gardiner) and Natalie (Eve Kitchingman), all of whom showcase similarly exceptional voices.

This is an exhilarating, euphoric and exuberant experience that makes for a fantastic and feelgood evening of top-quality entertainment, whether you’re steeped in the Motown sound or a soul-music novice. The show is impressively high energy, showcases an abundance of talent and comes complete with a rousing finale that sees the audience clapping, dancing and singing along with the cast. In short, it has pretty much everything you could possibly want from a toe-tapping musical. 

Four stars

The Commitments was reviewed by Sue Hull at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Tuesday 11 October where it continues to show until Saturday 15 October. The Commitments returns to the Midlands in 2023 to play Birmingham Hippodrome from Mon 24 - Sat 29 April.