The stage adaptation of John Carney's 2016 film Sing Street has arrived at the Lyric Hammersmith in London, following runs in Boston and New York. Directed by Rebecca Taichman, the musical is set in 1980s Dublin and follows 16-year-old Conor (Sheridan Townsley) as he forms a pop band with schoolmates amid family strife and economic hardship. The production features a soundtrack of new romantic and pop hits, alongside original songs by Carney and Gary Clark.
The story centres on Conor's family, including his perpetually arguing parents, depressed yet wise older brother Brendan (Adam Hunter), and sister Anne (Tateyana Arutura), who faces pressure to succeed. In the foreground, the band is formed in a council-estate living room, with a motley crew of boys seeking to attract girls through music. Conor meets love interest Raphina (Grace Collender), a striking figure in fish-nets and eyeliner, and becomes an instant pop lyricist with platitudes from his brother.
The production mixes naturalistic coming-of-age scenes with musical expressionism and kinetic projections, but this blend can detract from the story's nuance and grit. The script, by Enda Walsh, is spare and simplistic, lacking depth in character development. However, the show is saved by its score and strong vocal performances, particularly from Collender and Townsley. Emotion builds by the end, though the pacing can be slow.
While the musical aspires to the heights of The Commitments, it feels like a paler reflection. The comedy of the band's stylistic evolution—from Adam Ant to Cure-style gothicism—provides entertainment, but the songs are not well-connected to the drama. Ultimately, Sing Street is gig theatre with a vacuum between its uplifting numbers, but the strong voices and heartfelt moments make it a worthwhile experience.
