The Commitments At Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Review

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Firstly, a totally clear run into Southampton for the theatre was a very good start to the evening. Parking near to the theatre and a gentle stroll down to the venue was followed by extremely helpful and friendly staff. Our seats in the dress circle gave an excellent view of the stage.

The plot written by Roddy Doyle revolves around an unemployed young man in Dublin (Jimmy) who decides to form a soul band, named The Commitments, the hardest working band.

The production started rather strangely. The theatre lights were still on and the audience chattering when a couple members of the cast appeared on the stage in Santa hats. Gradually the numbers grew around an upright piano. No interaction with the audience with the lights still on, turning into a Christmas party atmosphere on stage. The audience gradually quietened culminating in the drunken”Merry Christmas” from a member of the cast. This all acted to drag the audience back into the past and set the scene for several of the parts of the first half when you could imagine yourself in the pub and cafe culture of the era in Ireland. The large number of auditions for the new band were very funny and showed the difficulty involved in a new venture. Borrowing equipment Jimmy decides to get friends and people he encounters to form the band. The show explores how the tensions that grow within a band with relationships and egos getting in the way of success. The rows that blow into physical confrontation and members storming out.

Throughout the show the lead singer Deco (Ian McIntosh) led with great songs of the era. His stage presence was huge and he managed the ego expansion which caused strife within the band magnificently. He really played to the audience in the final numbers of the show. Jimmy (James Killeen) was an ever present, trying to keep his dream alive, with the tensions making it ever more difficult.. Nigel Pivaro popped up humorously throughout as Jimmy’s Da and a caretaker. The musicians did an excellent job as members of the band, with fine support from the brass section. A lovely motor scooter made several appearances Mickah (Ronnie Yorke) was outstanding as the skinhead hard man with really funny interventions and replacement drummer.

A rousing version of “Proud Mary” certainly got the audience attention and got them singing along early on. “Mustang Sally” was one of my favourites from the night. Many other soul songs of the era were well performed. I feel I must mention that occasionally the volume of the music did swamp the voices of the three excellent ladies in their numbers. The audience need to tune in to the accents early so as not to miss the humorous script interventions

The audience loved the singing and the humour of the show, often singing along. If you love the music from that era of soul, you will love the live performances of the many favourites. The cast put huge energy and emotion to the whole performance and the stamina and speed in some of the dance was quite mind blowing(well done ladies!) It is easy to believe that they all really invested in the band and had great fun in the production.

Rating: 4 stars (4/5)

Tickets cost from £22.50

The show is on from 27^th March 2023 until 1^st April 2023

For more information or to book tickets please visit The Commitments | Mayflower Theatre | Southampton |

Mayflower theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton