The King's Theatre, Glasgow
9 May 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Based on the true story of the chart-topping Cornish singing sensations and their hit 2019 film, Fisherman’s Friends, this musical is a feel-good voyage about friendship, community and music which smashed box office records in Cornwall.
When a group of Cornish fishermen came together to sing the traditional working songs they’d sung for generations, nobody, least of all the fishermen, expected the story to end on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury."
As this musical opens, a fishing boat is being battered about the sea on stage. It's an impressive opening and I was captivated immediately. As Act I progresses we meet the residents of Port Isaac, Cornwall, played by a large cast of around 20 actors and musicians on stage.
There is no orchestra in a pit with this show, the music comes from the talented musicians onstage. They intertwine with the actors throughout the show and are always moving. There's always someone to watch and something new to see - it's very careful choreographed and effective.
Not since Come From Away have I heard such glorious voices and harmonies come together on a stage. The singing, the score and the music in this show are all magnificent. Before the show I had some doubt if I would enjoy 'sea shanties'. Well it turns out, they are gorgeous, and when sung by a cast of this quality they can also be touching or rousing depending on the theme. I am a convert!
The book is pretty predictable; it even says in the promotion and posters that the story ends on stage at Glastonbury. But it's fun to learn how the band get there, and despite all the ups and downs, it's an uplifting tale.
The set is cleverly designed and takes us from the local pub, to London's SOHO and the shore and back with ease. I was particularly impressed with how the lifeboat was done. It came from nowhere!
So too the sound mixing was good on this production (not always the case with touring shows!). The speech was clear and the music and singing complimented each other perfectly.
At one point the harmonies seemed to come from behind me and I even looked around to see if a choir had appeared in the circle!
I especially enjoyed the seagull and waves sound effects. Very realistic and made me yearn for a day at the Scottish seaside.
But quite rightly so, the focus throughout remains on the very strong ensemble cast. The success of this production relies heavily on the quality of the cast, their voices and musical skills. Casting has knocked it out the park!
Fisherman's Friends is a great new musical with a lot of heart and sole (!). A story about friendship, community and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Glasgow is the second last venue on the UK tour so you will need to be quick if you want to catch this lovely production. The tour finishes in London next week. More info and tickets here: https://fishermanonstage.com/tour-dates/
🌟 A review of Fisherman's Friends the musical UK Tour at Glasgow King's Theatre, May 2023 🌟
📸 Production photos: Pamela Raith Photography
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