I hate hearing about any shows in the West End that are closing to be honest but particularly ones that I haven’t got around to seeing yet (hello Women on the Verge of Nervous Breakdown!) because I assumed that they would be around for a lot longer.
It has now just been announced that The Commitments, currently at the Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue is to have its final performance on the 1st November – so if you are like me and planning on going then book now!
For those who don’t know, the story is about Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working class music fan, who shapes a bunch of amateur musicians and friends into an amazing live act. Songs featured in the show include: ‘Knock on Wood’, ‘Mustang Sally’ and ‘I Heard it Through the Grapevine’.
But those who love the show and are in despair at this news do not fret because it has also been announced that the show will be heading off on an extensive UK and Ireland tour in 2017! As of yet the full details of the tour have yet to be announced.
The show, based on the book by Roddy Doyle is Directed by Jamie Lloyd and has played over 1,000 shows since opening in October 2013.
Producer Phil McIntyre said: “We’ve had a great run at the Palace Theatre and we now look forward to bringing the people’s musical to people across the UK and Ireland with our 2017 tour.”
For those in mourning, here is the trailer for the show to console yourselves with: