BLEND the gritty heart of working class Ireland, whisk in a handful of unknown actor and a spoonful of soul tunes and what do you get?The Commitments – and they are back with a tour hitting Ipswich Regent tomorrow .

By Victoria Knowles

BLEND the gritty heart of working class Ireland, whisk in a handful of unknown actor and a spoonful of soul tunes and what do you get?

The Commitments – and they are back with a tour hitting Ipswich Regent tomorrow .

In 1991 Alan Parker's film based on the book by Roddy Doyle followed the life of Outspan, Derek, Jimmy Rabbite and their motley crew of assorted mates as they take their first tentative steps into the music world.

More than ten years later and The Commitments are back on the road bringing their soul to the masses.

Although many of the film's original stars have gone their separate ways the band is fronted by Dave Finnegan aka Michah Wallis in the film.

He has been christened the Wild Man of Soul and much of his raw stage delivery pays homage to the antics of mad Mickah.

Also from the original film are Derek Meatman Scully and Billy the Animal, real names, Kenneth McCluskey and Dick Massey respectively.

The two have remained partners in crime since the film and have been successfully managing The Commitments for the past eight years.

Robert Arkins, who played Jimmy Rabbitte and Johnny Murphy, who played Joey the Lips Fagin make occasional appearances with the band. But the rest is made up of great new musicians they have picked up along the way.

With more than 900 shows worldwide since forming in 1993 the band works hard to remain true to the soul roots which made its name.

There is still time to get tickets for this superb night of entertainment. Just call the box office on Ipswich 433100.

Weblink:

www.thecommitments.net