Sing Street is a feel-good, Eighties Irish fairy tale. Nerdy new boy forms a band and gets the cool girl. What’s not to like, says Georgina Brown

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Sing Street (Lyric Hammersmith)

Verdict: Sounds like teen spirit

This Dublin-set film-to-stage musical showcases a blend between School of Rock and The Commitments, with a raw and energetic atmosphere. In the initial scene, a dollhouse is dismantled to uncover the events unfolding within. Inside, three youngsters are engrossed in watching Top of the Pops from the not-so-distant Eighties, enamored by the New Romantics and grooving to Blondie’s beats.

This once affluent family finds the pinnacle of their week amidst financial struggles brought on by Dublin’s sluggish economy and compounded by a string of bad luck.

In simpler terms, Conor’s mother is involved in a romantic relationship outside their family, his father is abusing alcohol, his older brother, who frequently uses marijuana, struggles to leave home, and the strict Christian Brothers school he recently joined is ruled by bullies, with the headmaster showing clear dislike towards him.

To capture the attention or perhaps more intimately connect with a fashion-forward aspiring model named Raphina (Grace Collender), Conor proposes that she features in one of his music videos.

The lad hasn’t even got a band.

It’s fortunate that Conor, portrayed by Sheridan Townsley, has an exceptional voice and with a touch of eyeliner and lipstick, he exudes rock-star charm. Interestingly, his awkward friends also possess remarkable musical skills. Thus, the birth of the band occurs naturally.

In Enda Walsh’s book, the characters seem shallow and the storyline appears simple and foreseeable, suggesting that it could potentially be penned by a less inspired version of myself on an off day.

Eventually Rebecca Taichman’s wonderfully winning production collapses into an all-out gig.

As an utterly smitten admirer, let me say this: The teen spirit, brimming with astonishing energy and raw talent, resonates deeply in Sing Street. Many of these performers are gracing the stage for the very first time, yet their performances echo loud and clear a message that dreams do indeed come true. The enchanting power of music is undeniable in this production – it’s not just a possibility, but an absolute certainty.

Some tunes, like “Girls” performed initially by Conor and his sibling, later joined by Raphina, and the charming, humorous, infectious “Up” sung by Conor, possess an enduring appeal.

An Irish fairy tale on many levels. What’s not to like?

Sing Street runs at the Lyric Hammersmith until August 23.

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2025-08-01 18:06