New Theatre Wimbledon – until 20 May 2023
Reviewer Alec Legge
4****
To the New Theatre Wimbledon, to watch this musical offering.
Curtain up and the scenery depicted a Cornish harbour and the cast roared out their first number, loudly and with gusto. It was amazing and awe inspiring, the audience visibly liking what they saw and heard.
From then on number after number was sung by the Fishermen with all the same enthusiasm with the audience showing their appreciation by loudly applauding each number. Not a sophisticated performance but a rip-roaring, foot stomping rendering of sea shanties as they should be performed and enjoyed.
Between the numbers there was lots of dialogue with innuendo, jokes and some non woke repartee!
It must be said that there as well as the Fishermen there were also impressive singing performances from Alwyn, Parisa Shahmir, and there was also a lovely scene involving the ladies of the cast led by matriarch Maggie, played by Susan Penhaligon at her best. There were also a number of musicians who appeared on stage playing all sorts of instruments, including harmonica double bass, guitar. accordion, banjo amongst others and a talented drummer whose instruments included a wooden box!
The story line of the Fishermen’s Friends path to fame closely followed the original film depiction and clever use of lighting and effects enable the audience to follow the story of the discovery of the singing group in their small Cornish harbour town by the clever, wily London agent Danny, Jason Langley, and to their eventual release of a hit album and their appearance on the pyramid stage at Glastonbury.
At the end of the performance the cast received a well deserved standing ovation. This was a really enjoyable theatre experience and I would heartily recommend this musical to all.
The theatre is a gem of its ilk, with good views from all seats. It also has wheelchair access to the stalls but not to the circle seats. which are all accessed by steps. The ambiance of the theatre adds itself to the enjoyment of a visit and it is situated in an area with plenty of restaurants and bars for pre theatre meals etc.