KEVIN KENNEDY TO STAR AS JIMMY’S DA

BRIAN GILLIGAN TO STAR AS DECO

ANDREW LINNIE TO STAR AS JIMMY RABBITTE

“The Commitments is the musical we’ve been waiting for.”

Tickets on sale now

So good, our critic almost weeps”

The Sunday Times ★★★★★

“This hugely enjoyable show touches the sublime. Wonderfully funny”

Daily Telegraph ★★★★

“Unstoppable fun. A big-hearted, big-night out”

The Times ★★★★

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, starting in October 2016

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.

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.

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 Tour Dates

2016 Dates

3 – 7 October Bromley Churchill Theatre ON SALE NOW

12 – 29 October Dublin Bord Gáis Theatre ON SALE NOW

1 – 5 November Milton Keynes Theatre ON SALE NOW

7 – 12 November Nottingham Theatre Royal ON SALE NOW

14 – 19 November Stoke Regent Theatre ON SALE NOW

21 – 26 November Sheffield Lyceum Theatre ON SALE NOW

28 Nov – 3 December Norwich Theatre Royal ON SALE NOW

5 – 10 December Leeds Grand Theatre ON SALE NOW

12 – 30 December Glasgow Theatre Royal ON SALE NOW

2017 Dates

2 – 7 January Brighton Theatre Royal ON SALE NOW

9 – 14 January Oxford New Theatre ON SALE NOW

16 – 21 January Liverpool Empire ON SALE NOW

23 – 28 January Belfast Opera House ON SALE NOW

30 Jan – 4 February Southampton Mayflower ON SALE NOW

6 – 11 February Newcastle Theatre Royal ON SALE NOW

13 – 18 February York Grand Opera House ON SALE NOW

20 – 25 February Bristol Hippodrome ON SALE NOW

27 Feb – 5 March Edinburgh Playhouse ON SALE NOW

7 – 11 March Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre ON SALE NOW

13 – 18 March Birmingham Alexandra Theatre ON SALE NOW

20 – 25 March Canterbury Marlow Theatre ON SALE NOW

27 March – 8 April Manchester Palace Theatre ON SALE NOW

10 – 15 April Cardiff Millennium ON SALE NOW

17 – 22 April Woking New Victoria Theatre ON SALE NOW

24 – 29 April Plymouth Theatre Royal ON SALE NOW

1 – 6 May Southend Cliffs Pavilion ON SALE NOW

8 – 13 May Bradford Alhambra Theatre ON SALE NOW