Review: The Commitments is at Birmingham Hippodrome & it’s a soul sensation

The Commitments musical - based on the 1991 film - is at Birmingham Hippodrome and it’ll have you laughing and dancing with joy
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Going to a musical at the theatre is one of those experiences you can guarantee will lift your spirits.

It’s a sheer joy to see talented actors, singers and dancers perform live in front of you - their energy and enthusiasm is compelling. It’s like their radiance is transmitted from the stage to the seats, and you’re sure to come out feeling happier than when you went in.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And The Commitments is one of the best examples of these wonderful encounters. It’s a brilliant story from Irish author Roddy Doyle about a group of young friends in Dublin in the late 80s who get together to form a band - with a difference.

They want their performances to transcend the music of the day - to offer an alternative to the now hits from Soft Cell, Human League, ABC and the like. And finally discover soul - with timeless classics like Night Train, Try A Little Tenderness, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Mustang Sally and more.

The band work together as a team - as much as they can do amid struggles and strife and a serious lack of communication - to become fantastic performers. Passions runs high - there’s real grit, determination and anger at times as the group strive to survive the tensions.

This isn’t your typical four blokes with a drum kit and guitars. There are women singers, a saxophone and a trumpet, and a piano - as well as four blokes with a guitar and a drum kit. They become the saviours of soul - the hardest working band in the world, celebrating the black heritage of soul music and their working class roots.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The iconic 1991 film won six BAFTAs and its soundtrack albums achieved huge success. The theatre version first opened five years ago and has enjoyed a record breaking run in the West End. It has arrived in Birmingham as part of a UK tour.

The Commitments at Birmingham Hippodrome - L-R Eve Kitchingman, Ian McIntosh, Ciara Mackey, Sarah GardinerThe Commitments at Birmingham Hippodrome - L-R Eve Kitchingman, Ian McIntosh, Ciara Mackey, Sarah Gardiner
The Commitments at Birmingham Hippodrome - L-R Eve Kitchingman, Ian McIntosh, Ciara Mackey, Sarah Gardiner

It’s like being at a concert in a theatre and the whole audience were up dancing for the final numbers. A familiar face included actor Nigel Pivaro, who you may remember from Coronation Street - he was Jack and Vera’s son, Terry Duckworth, and plays Jimmy’s Da and the caretaker.

The singing and musical performances are a triumph. Don’t miss the chance to see this fantastic musical busting with the feelgood factor. The Commitments is on at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday (April 29). You can get tickets here: Birmingham Hippodrome, The Commitments

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.