Nottingham Theatre Royal- until Saturday 4 February 2023
Reviewed by Louise Ford
3***
No hopers, jokers and rogues
The journey to fame and fortune started back in 2010 when their imaginatively named album Port Issac’s Fisherman’s Friends became a hit in the UK charts. The story of a group of singing fishermen was too good not to be turned into a film (or two) and now a musical (based on Amanda Whittington’s book), directed by James Grieve. The songs and the story lend themselves to a joyful musical.
The story starts down at the harbour, where the cast do what they do best fishing and singing. The set (designed by Lucy Osborne) is a delight easily capturing the quaint harbour and then magically transforming into an energetic scene out at sea. I loved the rock and roll feel of the boat. All the time the fishermen are singing.
At times the shanties are performed a-cappella, a lone voice starting a refrain then being joined by the rest of the crew, at other times the shanty starts with the music and the crew join in. The musicians are not static they weave around the stage with their instruments . A whole host of instruments and props are used to produce the lively sound.
There are two interwoven stories the “discovery” of the singing Cornish men and a love story between Alwyn (Parisa Shahmir) and Danny (Dominic Brewer). Alwyn is the daughter of Jim (James Gaddas), the “boss” of the fishermen. Alwyn is a gifted musician and song writer (she made a cassette, when she was 12!). The songs performed by Parisa are beautiful, her voice is ethereal and haunting.
In addition to the main themes there is a bit of social comment on emmets (tourists), the rivalry between Devon and Cornwall and the sadness of loss and the loneliness of being a new mother. There are a fair few jokes and a bit of bawdy humour.
So back to basics the colour palette for the costumes was all Cornish coastal hews (muted blues, greys and browns), a couple of fisherman’s smocks and of course knitwear. In my opinion you cannot have enough knitwear on stage!
The shanties are at the heart of the story and the production is jam packed with them. The range of topics is vast from Australia to America and back again. All of the songs are performed with energy and joy. The cast really seem to be enjoying themselves , especially when they are foot-stomping the beat!
So grab your gansey and head on down to the sea shore for an evening of song and joy.