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REVIEW: The Commitments brought crowd-pleasing soul music to Aberdeen

A scene from The Commitments which is currently in aberdeen
A scene from The Commitments. Image: Ellie Kurttz

I Heard It Through The Grapevine that The Commitments was bringing a feel-good celebration of soul to Aberdeen’s HMT.

And with the talented cast performing more than 20 soul classics – including hits such as Reach Out, Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone and (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction– the jukebox musical really delivered.

Based on the award-winning film classic and Roddy Doyle’s 1987 novel of the same name, The Commitments tells the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working-class music fan from Dublin, who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians and friends into a live act.

Placing an advert in a music paper, Jimmy – played by charismatic James Killeen – auditions wannabe singers before finalising the new line up who he names The Commitments.

the commitments Aberdeen
Nigel Pivaro returned to the stage after 20 years as Da in The Commitments which is at Aberdeen’s HMT. Image: Ellie Kurttz.

While the band may later become one of the finest soul groups Dublin has ever produced, the audition process is as funny as it is ridiculous – mainly because it takes place at Jimmy’s parents’ house and his ‘Da’ is always there to offer not-so-helpful feedback.

Coronation Street Actor Nigel Pivaro shines in minor role

Corrie legend Nigel Pivaro is great in the role of a grumpy father who doesn’t quite get his son’s musical ambitions. Returning to theatre after almost two decades, the actor – probably best known for playing Terry Duckworth in Coronation Street – had a minor but certainly memorable role.

But the actor who really stole the show was Ian McIntosh. Playing Deco, the slightly obnoxious and temperamental lead singer of The Commitments, he impressed Jimmy – as well as last night’s audience – with his incredible vocals.

Ian seemed to be having a fabulous time returning to the role he originally co-debuted in the first West End production of The Commitments in 2013.

Ian McIntosh stole the show. Image: Ellie Kurttz.

Another great addition to the cast was Mickah (Ronnie Yorke). Initially hired as a bouncer, he later became part of the band and was responsible for some of the funniest moments in the show.

He was often joined on stage by older musician Joey The Lips (Stuart Reid) and backing singers Natalie (Eve Kitchingman), Imelda (Ciara Mackey) and Bernie (Sarah Gardiner).

The Commitments is in Aberdeen until Saturday

There were some nice period touches in set and costume design, but the sexist jokes could have stayed in the 80s.

Ultimately, it was the great selection of Motown songs that turned back time in Aberdeen, with the final medley of Mustang Sally, River Deep, Mountain High, and Try A Little Tenderness being the highlight of the show for many.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased here – so you can make the commitment to see the show while it’s still at Aberdeen’s HMT until Saturday November 26.

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