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REVIEW | Sing Street - The Musical, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre - London
- Harry Brogan
- Jul 19
- 6 min read
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
Sing Street, the musical stage adaption of the 2016 film of the same name makes its UK premiere at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.
After a pre-covid try-out in 2019 at the New York Theatre Workshop with hopes of a Broadway run, but cancelled due to the pandemic, the show ran for a second time in 2022 in Boston, with now UK audiences being able to watch the show for the very first time.
Sing Street is adapted from the 2016 motion picture film by writer and Director John Carney. Set in Ireland, Dublin, Sing Street follows Conor as his family struggle with the financial climate of the 80s, but also Conor's parents constantly battling, while his brother won't leave the house, and now Conor has been moved from private to a public Catholic school, and Conor unfortunately doesn't fit in. But then a girl appears, a Model - Raphina looking to get out of Dublin. Conor wants to impress her and hires her to be in a music video for his (non-existent) band...having to quickly make a band Conor and his fellow school pupils join him and create what is the school band 'Sing Street'.
The show is written by Enda Walsh, with music and lyrics by John Carney and Gary Clark, directed by Rebecca Taichman and choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. While as joyous as it sounds and it is, for me Sing Street has little issues here and there which feels like Act 1 doesn't quite find its feet, but for me Act 2 ramps up and really delivers.
Written by Enda Walsh, Walsh brilliantly transfers the original screen material to the stage greatly. Walsh writes what is a mix of funny and heartfelt dialogue, though for me some characters felt that they needed to be fleshed out more, such as Anne (played by Tateyana Arutura) and at times also Barry (played by Jack James Ryan) with these two characters made me want more within the writing. Yes, Walsh creates maybe one of the best adaptions of a film to the stage as I sat in my seat recalling scenes from the motion picture, though Walsh struggles to allow for a stage show length with the pace of scenes during Act 1 feeling short at times and maybe too quick with abrupt endings, leaving you wanting more. Plus prolonged times in Act 1 for the next musical number, feeling at first more like a play with music. But Walsh writes amusing dialogue throughout plus emotion as well, you can see the characters connect such as Conor (played by Sheridan Townsley) and Raphina (played by Grace Collender), friendships form within the band plus the difficulties Conor faces at his Catholic school, this all is tied in nicely together being level throughout. The dialogue is strong enough to hold up in 2 hour and 30 minutes, though simple, it's straightforward, it does contain outdated slurs and language which is uncomfortable to hear, but admittedly is handled carefully. The show's tone is good with Act 2 feeling grittier. Enda Walsh excellently creates a stage copy of the film which is honest, humorous, and genuine.
Enda Walsh's book joins together with John Carney and Gary Clark's ripping nostalgic 80's sound. The song list is slightly different to the original cast album you can listen to, with the track list having cut song's and some slightly shuffled around in placement. A replacement for the original opening number on the album from 'Just Can't Get Enough' to a song about the love of decades hit TV show Top Of The Pops is good and feels it throws the audience straight back. A few song's have changes such as Dream of You becoming more upbeat rather than the slower cast recording version, which did come as a surprise when sitting back down for Act 2. Nevertheless Carney and Clark create earworm music that does exactly what the band wants to create and that is 'happy sad' music, some are foot-tapping, and singalong able. For me the partnership between Carney and Clark creates lyrically catchy, nostalgic sounding music that is skilled original 80s musical theatre pop music.
Directed by Rebecca Taichman, Taichman's direction is good. There's a mix of energy, and some calm moments though it mainly feels energetic more than calmness. There are a range of continuous onstage instruments that the cast play making them actor-musicians, they are easily moved to the sides of the stage which creates a well liked move and feel to the stage. Like I said before the abrupt scene changes during the first half feel like we don't get enough leaving us wanting more, the same goes to Taichman's direction the pace of snappy scenes during Act 1 feel like they bring you closer and closer into the story then sharply takes you out of it. Though scenes during Act 2 feels the right length. Taichman shines a light on the themes of drug abuse well during the sequence of Brendan and Anne (Played by Adam Hunter and Tateyana Arutura) with Arutura moving a sofa, and Hunter being high this creates a quiet tenseness but a rather moving sequence showing Brendan's struggles. Keeping on the topic of tense direction Taichman keeps during the scenes with Conor and Brother Baxter (played by Lloyd Hutchinson) with the audience on the night vocally reacting to the shocking actions made by Brother Baxter. Taichman's directional highlight is during Act 2 when the band rebel against the school, Taichman brings the audience right in creating a loveable-ness towards the band. Taichman shows us authentic bonds with the bandmates and creation of young love well, though what Taichman does is answer a question that the film doesn't and that is the ending, on if the young loved up couple Conor and Raphina make it to London, as well as creating a heart-warming moment of joy for Brendan to be able to overcome the struggle of not going out. Rebecca Taichman's work is pleasing and really hones in on the 80s feel.
Sheridan Townsley plays Conor, Townsley's performance brings an 80s popstar feel to the stage. Townsley interacted with not just the cast but the audience members, especially in Act 2. Townsley displays a brilliant band frontman throughout with vocals that are outstanding. Townsley brings a new feel to the previous cast recording songs, which was great to hear, especially in "To Find You". Let's face it who wouldn't want to be in this band with this frontman. Townsley is charming, cheeky and lovable throughout.
Adam Hunter plays Conor's brother Brendan. When we first meet Brendan in Act 1, we see what appears to be a laid back, can't be bothered, older brother, but as the story progresses and we get to know the character we get to see this is not the case. Hunter displays the characters struggles well and underneath really does show the caring brother he is. Hunter's vocals were well received by the audience due to the delivery of the songs Hunter performed. Hunter's performance was brilliant.
The cast that are actor-musicians, they are triple threats, they play instruments, act and sing, plus on the side do small amounts of dance and are terrific throughout. All of the cast performances who were part of the "Sing Street" band showed their talent from the start. There was great chemistry between them all and was great to see how friendships began and grew through their performances.
Sonya Tayeh's Choreography is minimal but that was what the show needed. Tayeh's choreography brought us moments of comedic awkward side stepping to energetic running around with guitars, all of which matched the energy of the show.
The show's set, by Bob Crowley, is a simple one using video projection to create nostalgia through videos as well as creating outside space, for example when at the pier. Lisa Zinni's costume design hit the right theme with plenty of double denim and glam rock style costumes, I even brought a bit of double denim theme myself.
Sing Street is a coming of age story set in 80s Dublin, that provides an insight to how these teenagers coped with struggles happening at the time and showing the power of music and friendship. Fans of the film, like myself, will find enjoyment and familiarity in the scenes, but with a new refreshed outlook on the songs. With music that runs around your head, and I'm still singing today, and a script that is heartening with a side of comedy, Sing Street is the 80s musical you didn't know you needed.
★★★★
Sing Street plays at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre until 23rd of August.
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