WHEN Dublin’s fledgling soul combo meets up to rehearse after work, the bass player is still in his blood-stained butcher’s apron, the trio of girl singers are out of sync and treading on each others’ feet, and the lead singer slouches in late, picking his nose.

Welcome to “the world’s hardest working band”.

Adapted from Roddy Doyle’s much-loved novel and subsequent film, The Commitments is a glorious riot of a show that celebrates the joy of soul and the brass-necked optimism of youth.

In his bedroom in the Northside of Dublin, music fan Jimmy Rabbitte has big dreams of setting up a soul band. Undeterred by his cynical father, whose love of music starts and ends with Elvis, he puts an ad in the paper and holds auditions, attended by a succession of kids from neighbouring streets who mostly can’t hold a note between them.

Eventually, through trial and error, and a lively night in the pub, Jimmy has his band and, aided by veteran musician Joey ‘The Lips’, sets about transforming a chaotic bunch of amateur singers and musicians into a slick live act that he calls The Commitments.

But with all the bickering and yapping between the various band members, and the ballooning ego of lead singer Deco, will they last beyond their first live set or will Jimmy’s dream of managing Ireland’s greatest soul band end up in the Liffey?

This hugely entertaining show, performed by a terrific young cast, paid homage to soul greats, including Chain of Fools, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Mr Pitiful, Mustang Sally and Try a Little Tenderness. And Roddy Doyle's sparkling script delivered great laugh-out-loud moments throughout.

When the band gets going, you feel their joy. This misfit bunch of working-class kids, stuffing their faces with chips while they rehearse soul classics, know they're never going to set the world on fire - they’re too busy squabbling and flirting to share Jimmy’s drive and faith in the band - but they’re enjoying the craic while it lasts.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: You feel their joy on stage You feel their joy on stage (Image: Submitted)

James Killeen was excellent as beleaguered Jimmy, an endearing soul clinging to his working-class dream, while losing his patience. A lovely turn too from Nigel Pivaro as Jimmy's Da.

Ian McIntosh gave a powerhouse performance as frontman Deco, whose raw talent will make or break the band, or both. With rock star charisma, and a fabulous voice, he set the stage alight - and hearts in the audience fluttering.

Great performances too from Stuart Reid as Joey, Ciara Mackey, Eve Kitchingman and Sarah Gardiner as the backing singers - their performance of Think was a highlight - Michael Mahony, Guy Freeman, Ryan Kelly, Conor Litten and Stephen O'Riain as the lads in the band, and Ronnie Yorke as Mickah, the hilarious skinhead bouncer who takes crowd control very seriously.

A joyful, touching love letter to any kid who has ever been in a band.

* Runs at the Alhambra until Saturday.