The Commitments At Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield Review

Reviewed by J Wright

The Commitments is a show based on the 1987 book of the same name by Irish writer Roddy Doyle. There’s already been a BAFTA award winning film and now, on tour for nine months and following a fabulous stint in London, you can see the show in Sheffield’s own beautiful Lyceum Theatre. Roddy Doyle adapted the book for the stage himself and it has all the hallmarks of his work with pithy comic remarks embedded in the drama.

The show is about a group of unemployed young people who, despite their differences in talent, taste and ambition, unite to form a band and create the birth of Dublin Soul. The Commitments is a story of 80’s music and long before, of culture in working class Dublin, of ambition and of the influence of music. It’s a rise and fall tale, coming together and then falling apart, punctuated by soul classics.

The band is the vision of Jimmy Rabbite, a working class music fan who moves them from a pre-formed trio with a dubious synth player to the basis of a huge and diverse group with a stunning repertoire of soul music.
There’s a wide range of characters to create the drama and propel the story. My favourites were Deco the lead vocalist, played by Ian McIntosh. His vocal range and entertaining artistic anguish made for a quality performance. And Ronnie Yorke in the role of Mickah Wallace, the hot headed bouncer ready to solve the bands problems, later solving one of the biggest when he takes over as the drummer. He’s genuinely funny, bringing the role forward into the limelight as he sustains the character consistently, even when there’s lots going on elsewhere on stage.

The director, Andrew Linnie is a legacy actor having taken two roles in The Commitments earlier in his career and as a Dubliner himself we can only imagine this production is close to his heart. It’s certainly a quality show.
I feel like there’s influence from the directors, cast and crew which brings authenticity to the stage, especially in terms of accents and I enjoyed that.

I’ve grown up with this soundtrack and most of us would know all the classic tracks from the show such as; Mustang Sally, Papa was a Rollin’ Stone, I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Try A Little Tenderness. There’s plenty more and be sure to stay for the very end where the music continues just little longer.

The atmosphere at the theatre is light, the high energy of the show is infectious and it’s hard not to find your foot tapping along.

The Commitments is a show which will appeal to adults, those who know the music and those who don’t. It’s suitable for some teens who will recognise the urgency of youth and the importance of music in the formative years. Though there are some swearwords in there which make it less appropriate for younger audiences.

You’ll find discount parking tickets at the Crucible box office or Lyceum reception area if you park in the QPark, or “Cheese Grater” as we know it locally.

£15 – £45 tickets limited availability 🎟 01142496000
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/book/instance/261008

Rating: 5/5