Lyceum, Sheffield – until 11 February 2023
Reviewed by Alison Beaumont
5*****
Fisherman’s Friends is a musical based on the true story of the Cornish singing sensations and the 2019 hit film by Nick Moorcroft, Meg Leonard and Piers Ashworth. The musical is set in the Cornish town of Port Isaac and tells the story of a group of Cornish Fishermen who sang traditional Shanty songs in the pub which is the heart and soul of the community. The Fishermen are spotted by an out of work music Manager from London, Danny Anderson, (played by Jason Langley) who promises them fame and fortune. After being found out to have lied about the music deal and initially being turned down the Fisherman’s Friends ended the story performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. The story shows the importance of friendship and community.
Forget dazzling costumes and fancy sets; the costumes and set are basic but this musical doesn’t need any of that as it is all about the singing and music and it certainly more than ticked all the boxes.
I hadn’t heard of Fisherman’s Friends and was going with no pre-conceptions and an open mind. From the very beginning you felt a part of this show and my foot was tapping along to the beat of the songs and I certainly felt like I was in the pub with them.
Alywyn was played by Parisa Shahmir and what can I say other than wow wow wow. She was absolutely amazing her vocals were without fault and her performance was natural and effortless.
James Gaddas who some may recognise from TV shows (Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale to name a few) played the part of Jim, Alywyn’s dad, Robert Duncan – Jago, Susan Penhaligon – Maggie and Dan Buckley – Rowan all performed their parts brilliantly.
The songs were catchy and everyone looked like they were enjoying being part of the performance. When the men all sang together it really was out of this world.
The addition of the musicians on the stage really added to the setting of the scene in the pub. The musicians were all very talented, some even playing more than one instrument during the show.
There were points of laughter and then sadness and each type of emotion was felt by the audience.
I would definitely recommend that you go to see this show as you will not be disappointed.