REVIEW|Fisherman's Friends the Musical (UK Tour)
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
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| Photo Credit:Pamela Raith |
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| Photo Credit:Pamela Raith |
Every once in a while there is a show that is everything you need in a show form, a warm hug in musical form. Fisherman's Friend is a fine example of that, this new feel good UK based and written classic is definitely a new favourite, just after one watch.
Based on the true story of the chart topping vocal group Fisherman's Friends and the 2019 movie of the same name name, it has a heart-warming feel mixed in with all the acapella sea shanties that you could wag a heaving line at.
Written by Amanda Whittington and Directed by James Grieve, this show brings the story to life alongside toe tapping music under the direction of James Findlay and with line heaving choreography by Matt Cole.
The versatile set design and excellent costume by Lucy Osbourne, works so well especially the versatile set, which has many a hidden storage compartment or secret double life and works wonderfully alongside lighting and sound designed by Johanna Town and Dan Samson respectively.
Having not seen the film or known the story prior to seeing the show, it was all a surprise and I really enjoyed it all unfold in front of my eyes and the cast were all amazing, a proper community just like the show would want.
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| Photo Credit:Pamela Raith |
If there's one thing I like in a show it is an actor/musician and this show has eight of them, playing over fifteen different instruments between then, filling the theatre with the gorgeous folk sounds as well as playing various other roles through the show.
The fishermen themselves, Hadrian Delacey, Dakota Starr, Pete Gallagher, Anton Stephans, Robert Duncan, James Gaddas and Dan Buckley were all brilliant to watch, with voices that blended spectacularly together and with great characters that made you want to take the journey to Port Issac itself to visit The Golden Lion for a drink with them all. The best bunch of men, truly.
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| Photo Credit:Pamela Raith |
My ultimate love of the show however was Parisa Shahmir,who plays Alwyn. Her voice throughout the show was stunning to listen to, especially during the song Village By The Sea (written for the show by James Findlay, that I have become mildly obsessed with). Her chemistry alongside Danny, played by Jason Langley, and the rest of the cast was beautiful to watch and I really enjoyed her characters journey throughout the show and Parisa's portrayal of it.
This show is so feel good, home grown and perfect. I recently heard it called the "English Come From Away" and I can really agree with that. If you are looking for a show, all about the power of community and togetherness then look no further than Fisherman's Friends. Currently touring up and down the length of the UK as well as a brief stop in Toronto, Canada over Christmas, it is a show for all to see and I recommend that you do.
Information on where the tour goes next and to book your tickets, you can click here.
