West End Wednesday: THE COMMITMENTS
The Commitments is a 2013 West End musical, based on the 1991 film and 1987 novel of the same name. The story tells of a group of unemployed Irish youths who start a soul band and contains hit songs from the 1950s and 60s.
After the release of the film and its success, author Roddy Doyle received numerous offers to option the rights for a musical adaptation. Doyle declined citing his dislike for musicals, despite never actually having seen one. Doyle also became resentful towards the success of The Commitments because he believed that its popularity overshadowed his other works and prevented them from getting the credit they deserved. His mind was eventually changed by his children who loved the 1991 film and loved musicals, taking him to see many in a bid to change his mind. The production was officially confirmed on 19 April 2013 in Ireland, with tickets going on sale on 23 April for a West End opening at The Palace Theatre.
The production began previews on 21 September 2013. The opening night cast included Killian Donnelly as Deco, Jessica Cervi as Bernie, Mark Dugdale as Derek, Denis Grindel as Jimmy Rabbitte and Brian Gilligan as Billy/Dave. The production was directed by Jamie Lloyd, with choreography by Ann Yee, set design by Soutra Gilmour, sound design by Rory Madden and lighting by Jon Clark. The Commitments opened to mixed reviews but ticket sales remained strong, with the show running for just over two years, closing on 1 November 2015.
The tour was announced upon its West End closure for the following year. The production opened in October 2016 featuring many of the original West End cast. Brian Gilligan starred as Deco, with Christina Tedders as Bernie, Peter Mooney as Derek, Andrew Linnie as Jimmy Rabbitte and John Currivan as Billy/Dave. The production closed in May 2017. Another tour was scheduled from September 2020, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the tour has been postponed to September 2021.
If you haven’t listened to the cast recordings Besties, get on it. It’s full of bangers!!!
Cast recording available on streaming services.
FACTS:
Music: Various
Lyrics: Various
Book: Roddy Doyle
Theatre: The Palace Theatre
Run: 21 September 2013 – 1 November 2015 (around 16 previews and 800 performances)
