Fisherman's Friends at Alexandra Theatre - Review

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Tue 13 Sep 2022 - Sat 17 Sep 2022

Following on from the film of the same name, this theatre show brings the essence of Cornwall to Birmingham.



A musical with a difference, you'll have sea shanties in your head for weeks. Fisherman's Friends: The Musical is at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham for a week until Saturday September 17.

It's based on the true story of a group of fishermen from Port Isaac who become Cornish singing sensations. Atmospheric and funny, this is a heartfelt stage adaptation with musicians among the cast creating the music.

Singing the traditional working songs they'd sung for generations, this show is all about the sea shanty - 32 in total. There's disco versions, the classic 'What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor' and beautifully haunting ones sung by talented Parisa Shahmir as Alwyn.



It's well acted and sung with a strong cast of familiar faces from James Gaddas of Coronation Street and Casualty fame leading the fishermen to Susan Penhaligon as his mother and Robert Duncan from Drop the Dead Donkey as his father.

A younger generation of Parisa Shahmir as Cornish songbird Alwyn and Jason Langley as streetwise London music producer Danny provide the love interest. Their chemistry sizzles and is one of the highlights of the production.

The scenes are imaginative and well choreographed to bring alive the boats at sea and a Cornish festival. You can almost taste the salty air.



There's plenty of likeable characters and when the dialogue gets going, it's very funny. Although, the balance of songs to narrative is slightly off-kilter.

It could do with more conversations and character development in place of some of the songs. That said, if you love a sea shanty, then this show is for you.

Ultimately Fisherman's Friends: The Musical is all about friendship, community and music. This is feel-good with a capital F and the storyline is heartfelt and tender.

It will make you want to tap your toe and book your next holiday to Cornwall as soon as you get home.

RATING: 3 and a half out of 5

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!date 13/09/2022 -- 17/09/2022
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