It’s moving, touching and filled with stirring harmonious songs; Fisherman Friends – The Musical is not your usual ‘film to stage’ production!
Directed by James Grieve; the Fisherman Friends Musical follows the same plot as the popular 2019 movie – a true story about a group of Cornish fishermen who are discovered by Danny (played by Jason Langley) a former A & R man for Island records which leads to the group recording a demo and eventually onto performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.
This musical tugs at your heartstrings far greater than the movie and there are moments when emotions run high and moments when it becomes quite reflective and somber. It runs at quite a fast pace and although it’s 140 minutes in length; it keeps your attention throughout and the appearance of musicians around the stage gives it a true authenticity for the music and its genre.
The cast are outstanding; featuring Hadrian Delacey as Jim, Parisa Shahmir (Mamma Mia!) as Alwyn, Robert Duncan (Drop the Dead Donkey) as Jago, Anton Stephans (The X Factor) as Leadville and Susan Penhaligon (Bouquet of Barbed Wire) as Maggie. They have a wonderful ability to not only create harmonising and stirring performances, but they also have such a strong presence on stage which holds your attention throughout, with well-rounded characters with distinctive personalities thanks to the book by Amanda Whittington which offers lots of feel good moments.
The staging by Lucy Osbourne is very clever and very adaptive; from the opening number which sees the stage transformed into a dark ocean to being transformed into the local pub in Port Isaac and even a nightclub in London; it’s imaginative and adaptive for all scenes.
This musical is not only a fabulous feel good musical, it also shines a spotlight on Cornwall and the hard working people that live their lives there; it has heart and soul and makes you really connect with the characters and offers a fresh insight into this true story of friendship, family and community.
Verdict: Feel Good & Fun! You’ll be singing Sea Shanties for days afterwards…. Well, a drop a Nelson Blood wouldn’t do us any harm!
Playing until 1st October, https://thelowry.com/whats-on/fishermans-friends-the-musical/
Reviewer: Max Eden
Reviewed: 27th September 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★