Review written by Tyrone Baptiste
15.02.23
Fishermen's Friends was formed over 20 years in the small fishing village of Port Issac, Cornwall. They are formed of local fishermen who strive to keep the old sea shanties of past generations alive. Since securing a record deal in 2010, the buoy band (Did you see what I did there?) have gone from strength to strength by securing a Top Ten hit with No Jokers, Hopers and Rogues and two smash hit films about their rise to fame and their career-defining moment at Glastonbury’s Iconic Pyramid Stage. Now, their story is immortalized in this feel-good musical.
From the moment the show starts you are drawn into the choral sounds of the cast singing ‘Nelson’s Blood’. The sound of their beautiful singing draws you into stories long forgotten which are now brought back to life with these songs. The show is written by Amanda Whittington and it is funny, inspiring and moving. The script can capture your emotions and lets you leave the theatre feeling good and inspired to achieve your dreams just like the band has since done. The show is directed by James Grieve who has directed the show to be original, emotive and exciting. The overall direction allows the script and the songs to tell the story.
The cast of Fishermen’s Friends the Musical
The set is designed by Lucy Osbourne and resembles the fishing village of Port Issac, a pub and the ocean with a fishing boat sailing on it which is moved by the use of ropes. The costume is also designed by Lucy Osbourne who captures the fashion of the small fishing village and the bright lights of London. The show is choreographed by Matt Cole and it is the fresh choreographed moves designed by him that further tell the stories of voices forgotten.
The cast is phenomenal and all bring something unique to the story from their singing, dancing and their overall energy. This cast feels like a family who is inviting you into their house to share their life stories.
James Gaddas and the cast of Fishermen’s Friends the Musical
James Gaddas plays Jim who is the unofficial leader of the band and he plays Jim with passion, power and vulnerability. His singing impresses and it soars within the cast.
Janet Mooney, who normally plays Nessa, played the role of Maggie last night and she was fantastic. Janet has an amazing singing voice and she plays Maggie to be humorous but during one particular moment she fixates your eyes on her and all you want to do is hug her and let her know everything will be okay.
Parisa Shahmir and the cast of Fishermen’s Friends the Musical
Parisa Shahmir plays the role of Alwyn and what a performer she is. Her singing voice offers passion and vulnerability. During ‘Keep Hauling’ you can see the pure emotion which is being displayed on stage as she invites you in on this heart-breaking moment for Alwyn.
James Langley and the cast of Fishermen’s Friends the Musical
James Langley plays Danny as a typical Londoner who is boisterous and entertaining but at times shows the emotions that make the character rounded. James Langley also sings but not very often. His singing voice is fantastic. I just wish we could hear more of it.
The cast of Fishermen’s Friends the Musical
The cast is also made up of the actors playing members of the Fishermen’s Friends who support the choral singing with their passionate voices and their incredible comedy timing. The cast is completed by the use of actor-musicians who are playing their instruments on stage which further supports just how vital music is to keeping these old stories alive. The whole cast is funny, ambitious and emotive and this is evident in the song ‘ Village By The Sea’ written by the show’s musical director James Findlay. The song itself offers beautiful lyrics about what community means to the fishing villages in Cornwall. I can’t wait to see the show again.
Fishermen’s Friends the Musical brings the heart of Cornwall to your doorstep.
★★★★★
The show continues its UK tour at Mayflower Theatre until 18th February and tickets can be booked here - https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/fishermans-friends-2023/
Photos by Pamela Raith
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