Casting for The Commitments announced for Glasgow and Edinburgh
Coronation Street legend, Kevin Kennedy, is to star as Jimmy’s Da in the UK tour of the
critically acclaimed musical The
Commitments written by Roddy Doyle, coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow from 12
- 30 Dec 2016 and the Edinburgh
Playhouse from 27 February to 4 March 2017.
The UK tour will also feature many of the cast from the
record breaking show’s two year run at London’s Palace Theatre, including Brian
Gilligan who will reprise his starring role of Deco and Andrew Linnie who will
star as Jimmy Rabbitte.
Thirty years since The Commitments first burst from the
pages of Roddy Doyle’s best-selling novel, the world's hardest working soul band
will be going on a seven month UK tour. The smash hit musical will begin at the
Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 3 October, before opening in Dublin for the first
time ever. It will then travel to theatres across the UK until May 2017.
Roddy Doyle said:
“The Commitments were born in Dublin, moved to London, and will soon be hopping
all over the shop. I wrote the novel – invented the characters – in 1986, and
it thrills me to think that they will be entertaining audiences throughout the
UK and Ireland 30 years later, in 2016.”
Kevin Kennedy won the hearts of the nation when he
starred as Curly Watts in Coronation Street. Since leaving Coronation Street,
Kevin has regularly appeared in theatre productions including: Chicago, The
Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and We Will Rock You.
Kevin said: “After working abroad, I am delighted to be
returning to such an iconic musical as The Commitments. It is a pleasure to
travel around the country playing to enthusiastic audiences who love this
show.”
Brian Gilligan originally played the role of drummer
Billy ‘The Animal’ Mooney in the West End production. Several months later, he was overheard
singing to himself in the stairwell at The Palace Theatre and blew away the
director, leading to him being cast as Deco a few weeks later.
Brian said: “I am very fortunate to be returning to a
role and show that I really love. It’s gonna be exciting bringing the show back
home to Dublin.”
Andrew Linnie was originally part of the West End
production’s ensemble, but saved the day when the actor playing Jimmy Rabbitte
damaged his knee and both of the understudies were unavailable. Despite not
having performed the role before on stage, Andrew stepped up to the plate to
take over that the role that evening, and received a standing ovation after
just a few hours rehearsals. He then carried on playing the role for the rest
of the week and got great reviews for his performances. After performing the role in the West End,
Andrew will now play Jimmy Rabbitte on the UK tour.
Andrew said: “I made my West End debut in this show and
couldn’t be more delighted to be returning to play the wonderful music again.”
The Commitmentettes will be played by sisters Amy
Penston, (Natalie) and Leah Penston (Imelda), while Christina Tedders (Bernie)
will complete the talented trio.
Amy said: "I'm absolutely over the
moon to be back with The Commitments playing Natalie. I'm so looking forward to
working with some of the old gang and rock the stage together again. Not only
that, but it's a dream come true to back on stage with my wonderful sister,
Leah. We're just elated to be working together again!"
Leah said: “I'm so thrilled to be joining
the cast of The Commitments, playing the role of Irish icon Imelda Quirke,
which was originally portrayed in the film by Angeline Ball. I have some pretty
big shoes to fill! The fact that I get to perform alongside my amazing big sis
makes it all the more special. It's going to be a tour to remember!”
Christina said: “I have loved The
Commitments since I was a little girl - my nightly renditions of 'Mustang
Sally' were both the joy and bane of my parent's evenings! I'm totally thrilled
to be playing the role of Bernie.”
Also appearing on the tour, having appeared in the West
End production, are Peter Mooney (Derek), Padraig Dooney (Dean), Sam Fordham
(Mickah) and John Currivan (Billy). They will be joined by Rhys Whitfield
(James), Alex McMorran (Joey), and Christian James (Outspan).
The Commitments received huge critical acclaim following the
September 2013 World Premiere in London.
Opening to rave reviews, it was quickly hailed as a smash hit musical
sensation. The Sunday Times awarded the show
five stars, saying “The Commitments is the musical we’ve been waiting for. So
good, our critic almost weeps”. The Daily Telegraph and The Times both gave the
show four stars and the Daily Mail said the show was “a fabulous fun night
out".
The show has been adapted for the stage by Booker
Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle, from his original novel. Directed by C Jay
Ranger, The Commitments is packed with more than 20 classic soul songs
performed live on stage including: Night Train, Try A Little
Tenderness, River Deep, Mountain High, In The Midnight Hour, Papa Was A Rolling
Stone, Save Me, Mustang Sally, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Thin Line
Between Love and Hate, Reach Out, Uptight, Knock On Wood, I Can't Turn You
Loose and more!
The
Commitments tells the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working class music fan,
who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians into an amazing live act, the
finest soul band Dublin has ever produced. The show follows the journey of two
members of a frustrated synthesiser band – the opening scene has them playing,
but ignored, in a shop window - who turn to Jimmy, the local music expert, for
help.
Placing
a classified advert in a music paper, Jimmy auditions a number of wannabes
before finalising the new line up who he names The Commitments. The humour
kicks in as the band get to know each other and their instruments, and proceed
through early rehearsals for their first gig. Just as they improve and begin to
get a name for themselves they combust. The backing singers are all getting off
with the middle aged horn playing legend, the singer has entered Eurovision,
the drummer has walked out mid-gig and the saxophone player has dangerous
leanings towards a jazz career.