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Review: Fisherman’s Friends

By Katie Bray

Article Summary

Musical sensation Fisherman’s Friends has finally dropped anchor at the Lowry and left its audience tuna-ing (pardon the pun) into a whole-hearted performance full of fun, jokes and shanties galore.

Whilst I was aware of the movies: Fisherman’s Friends (2019) and Fisherman’s Friends: One and All (2022), I had little prior knowledge of the band or the storyline before researching them for my interview with skipper-man’s daughter Alywyn, played by Parisha Shahmir , the week before the show. Their story immediately seemed interesting, especially since very few musicals have used folk music and shanties (this being the first instance I have ever seen), making the show a completely new experience.

The show is about a group of working fishermen in Port Isaac, Cornwall, who come together on the docks and in the pubs to sing old shanties passed down for centuries by generations before them, much like Rowan’s (Dan Buckley) in-debt pub. They are seen by sunk music manager Danny (Jason Langley), who tries to re-assert himself in the music industry and offers them a deal to record an album and play at Glastonbury, selling them as the “real men, real beards, real deal”, or ironically “South-Westlife”, with “songs that transport us to distant horizons”.

I went in not knowing what to expect yet was pleasantly shocked by the immediate involvement in the Cornish setting, sitting down amongst the sounds of chirping seagulls before a dark thundery ship was hurled onstage, swaying to and fro amongst the fog as impending shanties were sung.

After this impressive use of staging, the main set was lit to its full glory; one that transformed from pub, to pier, and to a boat garbed in nets, crab cages and buoys across the play and used different levels to create the sense of a split screen between two separate places, yet also created a space where the live (on-stage) band could spread and join the community of singing fishermen and their families. The strong relationship between the band, as well as Jim (Hadrian Delacey) and his daughter, Alywyn, were immediately captivating and authentic. They lived up to their motto: “truth, respect, community”.

Whilst these bonds created a great space for corny (but admittedly funny) dad-jokes, gags about viral songs like the ‘Weatherman’, or “interference” from seagulls, pranks, drinking and songs, I did find a portion of the first half to be a little slow in terms of the storyline.

It initially brought the characters in with their songs, families and table-stomping dances, introducing the audience to their sense of community, as well as a few plot lines that will become significant later in the story, however, it isn’t until later in the latter of the first-half that the show really begins to shine, with even more comedy and fun boosted by a love story, the struggles of Danny’s lies, and a hilarious mix of hopefulness and drunken antics – one of the funniest scenes playing alongside ‘In the Navy’.

However, despite the initially slow start, I found myself enjoying the show more and more. From the melding harmonies of the fishermen to the angelic voice of Parisa as Alywyn (described as the “songbird” and “Taylor Swift of the Southwest”), the show was filled with a beautiful mixture of music with the on-stage band having a real presence, dancing and playing harmonicas, violins, banjos, guitars, drums, woodwind, the accordion and more.

Some of the best songs had to be ‘Cousin Jack’, ‘Tidal pool’, ‘John Kanaka’, ‘No Hopers, Jokers and Rogues’, and Alywyn’s ‘Village by the sea’, which combines solo vocals with moments of communal singing and a cute dance between her grandparents Jago (Robert Duncan) and Maggie (Susan Penhaligon).

The musical also deals with themes of friendship and grief, debts, community, working life, motherhood, love and dreams with care and well-placed shanties reflecting these themes in key moments of the story. With the theme of grief, I especially noticed the superb and raw emotional vocal talents of Jim, in the moments after the band experiences a death.

Yet they balanced these themes perfectly with their humour with makeshift ships made from mops and flags, piggyback rides, feather boas and disco ball props, and a combination of family and “adult” jokes that had the audience constantly laughing. Each performer had their moment in the limelight, and every song was performed with the same amount of heart and passion as the last.

The biggest surprise of the night was a fake finish, which left the audience thinking the show had ended before they arrived at Glastonbury, receiving a standing ovation before another standing ovation was given when they came on stage a second time and encouraged the audience to clap throughout the song compilation. Even outside the theatre, people were still buzzing about the show with one or two people even singing the shanties on their way back to the carpark.

To anyone interested in viewing the show, I would highly recommend giving it a watch. Despite the initial slow pace, the development of characters, the humour and the amazing set design and talented musicians create an unforgettably exciting experience.

Fisherman’s Friends  runs at  the Lowry (Lyric Theatre) until 1st October and tours the UK until mid-November and then again from the end of January until mid-May. It will have its North American premiere at the  Royal Alexandra Theatre  in Toronto, Canada, from 27th November until 15th January!

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The Cornishmen have had two movies based on them and this musical is based on the first which revolves around their discovery by music moguls

• 16:11, 9 SEP 2022

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Fishermen's Friends: The Musical, Theatre Royal, Plymouth – four stars

Singing sea shanties on the sea shore is where the incredible voyage of the Fishermen's Friends began. Just a group of Cornish men singing the songs of their forefathers and hoping to raise a bit of money for charity.

Fast forward about 25 years and the Port Isaac buoy band have had a UK top 10 album, signed a major record deal, sang for the Queen and played at Glastonbury – just to name a few of their highlights. They have also had two movies based on them and now their story hits the stage.

The musical is based on the first 2019 film which revolves around their initial discovery by music moguls. Plenty of us will have seen the hit film and now the tale is translated to the stage with bucket-loads of gusto. It is funny, gripping and has a generous helping of heart.

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The musicians are part of the action taking their marvellous talents to the stage and provide a wonderful community feeling and life to the pub scenes and other settings. And that sense of community, friendship and belonging is what is essential and very moving in this piece.

The Fishermen's Friend crew led by James Gaddas as Jim take us convincingly on the highs and lows from the rough seas to the glitter balls of the gay bar. And many of the highlights were when the whole ensemble is on stage. Although I felt the enthusiasm of Pete Gallagher as Wiggy shone through.

The song Cousin Jack was one of my favourite moments as the passion and anger of everyone was palpable.

But the strength of Parisa Shahmir's performance as Alwyn is also just as significant. Away from the almost brute force of the band, her rendition of her own song Tidal Pool is as mesmerising as a sea siren. And the rescue scene is notable.

The set, essentially based on a harbour dock, still provides plenty of clever and visual draws especially when the fishing crew get physically put to the test hauling nets to create giant waves.

There is lots of regional humour which the audience lapped up and the rivalry between the two counties of Devon and Cornwall is given a fun airing.

It is full to the brim of patriotism and I can see why it was the biggest selling production in Hall for Cornwall’s 25-year history. I hope it will be as passionately received around the country and will also float the boats of crowds further afield.

The plaice to be for a splendid night out which will have you clapping and singing along. And a surprise visit from the real-life Fishermen's Friends on stage at the end of our performance really capped the night off for us.

Fishermen's Friends is on at Plymouth's Theatre Royal until Saturday September 10.

It will play at Torquay's Princess Theatre next year.

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• Mar 29, 2023

Review: Fisherman's Friends the Musical (Tour)

Buoy oh buoy, i really wanted to love fisherman’s friends the musical, but something was just a bit off..

The new musical based on the 2019 film tells the real-life story of a group of Cornish fisherman and how their lives are changed when an ex-music biz monger (an energetic del boy type, played enthusiastically by Jason Langley) hears their port singalong.

Photo by Pamela Raith

James Gaddas leads the group as the cold and closed off Jim. He’s ferocious in attempts to protect the small village community at land and sea, and most of all his daughter Alywyn (Parisa Shahmir), a soulful singer with a salty attitude that ultimately makes her unlikeable.

When the group stand together in a semi-circle, singing popular sea shanties acapella and swinging tins of beer, is when the show is at its best. “John Kanaka” is a particular highlight with dulcet tones lifted by the soft cry of seagulls and the crashing of waves (Dan Samson is the sound designer). The women’s voices are crystalline, almost hypnotic in their soothing. Hazel Monaghan, as Sally, has a pearl of a voice.

They’re joined by a talented group of musicians who surf the stage and move as part of the community. It’s a lovely touch as they sway and laugh along to the friends’ quips. Book writer Amanda Whittington has made these sailors filthy mouthed with handsome voices – though some jokes just hit the rocks and sink.

However, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. With songs a-plenty, the running time racks up and the already thin storyline grows tired. There feels a disconnect between the heart of the story, about music connecting folk, and the stillness of sitting in a dark theatre. Instead of embracing the communal act of performing, the audience are flies on the wall in a very linear story.

Lucy Osborne’s set is beautifully tactile. It is strewn with net, buoys, and ropes, that hug the central parts of the character’s lives – a harbour, the sea, and a local watering hole. They’re washed with warm yellows and blues courtesy of Johanna Town’s light design which also includes effective use of torches to scour the land.

In moments of relief from the static onslaught of songs, there are some memorable moments – we see drunken sailors singing “In the Navy” in a Soho gay bar and the friends giving a comedic television interview that sees the poor anchor (completely accidental nautical reference) fearing her future employment. There’s also drama in a tragic sea accident and the following tender touch to grief. Overall, though, it’s all a bit too safe.

If the sea is in your soul, then you’ll no doubt enjoy a nostalgic trip to the Cornish coast. In landlocked Leicester, Fisherman’s Friends were hitting all the right notes but it didn’t quite get me hook, line and sinker.

Fisherman's Friends plays at Curve, Leicester before continuing on tour

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Fisherman’s Friends could be described as the ultimate “buoyband”, said Dominic Cavendish in The Daily Telegraph – a group of grizzled Cornish fishermen who miraculously netted a £1m record deal and stormed the charts in 2010 with an album of time-honoured sea shanties.

Their heartwarming story provided the basis for a film in 2019. Now, it has been turned into a charming if lightweight stage musical – and if you like sea shanties, you are very likely to love it.

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The show includes enough of them (almost 30) “to sink a battleship”, and it has a supersized cast of 25 actors and musicians too. “When it’s all hands on deck, it’s quite a sight to behold: the replica quayside set more bustling than St Ives at tourist season high-tide.” What I yearned for, though, was a bit more drama. This is a pleasurable evening, but some “Sturm und Drang wouldn’t go amiss”.

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There is a feeling that this is a story we’ve heard quite often before, said Miriam Gillinson in The Guardian , possibly in more suitable forms. Still, it has a solid script, and there are flashes of “humour and cynicism”, especially in the tension between locals and tourists.

Director James Grieve has “clearly worked hard to hold on to the rough-hewn authenticity” that made the original group a success. The lighting and set design are “muted” rather than brash. And the excellent performances, particularly from James Gaddas as the group’s gruff lead singer Jim, are “suitably un-showy”.

“As a piece of theatre, it is all a bit safe” – but it delivers “earworm after earworm”: this is a show that “knows its target audience” and it “lands them all night”, said Kris Hallett on What’s On Stage .

During last week’s press performance, the weather outside was “doing a decent impression of an Atlantic storm”, said Clive Davis in The Times . But inside the theatre, as we listened to a series of “soul-stirring” sea shanties performed with gusto, “we were, metaphorically speaking anyway, snugly tucked up in front of a roaring pub fire, hot toddies in our hands”. It’s that kind of experience that this “heart-on-sleeve” show offers, and it surely deserves to “pack them in”.

Leeds Grand Theatre ; until 19 November, then on tour

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• Mar 1, 2023

Review: Fisherman's Friends The Musical (UK Tour)

Updated: Mar 2, 2023

Review by Daz Gale

The story of Fisherman’s Friends took the UK by storm when their first album charted in 2010.. Their story has since been adapted into an acclaimed film (and a sequel) and now it’s the turn of a brand new stage musical, currently playing to audiences all over the UK. This week it headed into Richmond and after hearing nothing but praise for this heart-warming story, I knew I had to go fishing for myself. The question was would I like what I sea or shan’t-I have bothered?

Fisherman’s Friends is inspired by the true story of the folk music group from Port Isaac and their unexpected rise to fame which saw them troubling the charts and even playing Glastonbury. Taking some fictional elements from the film, the story sees disgraced musicpromoter Danny stumble upon them and become determined to make them the next big thing… all while falling in love with one of the groups daughters, of course.

In keeping with the music the group are known for, Fisherman’s Friends boasts a collection of sea shanties. These seemingly timeless numbers saw a recent rise in fame thanks to the success of ‘Wellerman’ (itself present here in an excerpt used as a fantastic joke). If these may not be the kind of songs you listen to every day, you may surprise yourself with how much you fall in love with them. I certainly did. The fact they are performed so eloquently and exquisitely adds to the charm of these numbers and you may find yourself utterly enchanted by the angelic sounds coming from a seemingly unlikely group of fishermen.

It's in these performances where Fisherman’s Friends is at its best. Performed by a group of actor-musicians, the authentic feel of these performances lends itself well to the inspiration behind the story. It is the quieter moments of these musical numbers where the stars seemingly align. The moments where they are accompanied by nothing but their own voices to create something truly beautiful that could reduce a grown man to tears. The relatively short length of the majority of these musical numbers means there is never a dull moment and, thankfully, you are never more than a couple of minutes away from the next musical number.

The cast that have been assembled to take on the members of this legendary group bring their talents to the forefront. Jason Langley brings something different to the show as fish out of water Danny. His characters attempts to convince the friends to come to London with him are played fantastically in a largely comedic role where his heart is given opportunities to come through. Though underused, Fia Houston-Hamilton is refreshing in her brief time as Danny’s former colleague Leah.

As for the group of men who make up the Fisherman’s Friends – collectively and individually they shine on stage. Highlights among the collectively talented group include Dan Buckley who is full of warmth as Rowan and Pete Gallagher whose winning smile as Leadville proves infectious. James Gaddas is wonderfully understated as the no-nonsense Jim, notably differen to the others in his approach on stage and standing out in doing so. Robert Duncan melts every heart in attendance with his fantastic turn as Jago, always standing out whenever it is his turn to speak/sing. It is the harmonies the group have together that really elevate the performances, with their chemistry adding a believable factor to these numbers.

The undoubted star of the show, however, belonged to someone who wasn’t one of the group but the daughter of one of them. As Alwyn, Parisa Shahmir stunned with her sensational performances, showcasing the most impressively beautiful tone to her voice. This really came alive on musical numbers such as ‘Village By The Sea’ and her original song ‘The Tidal Pool’. Giving a truly captivating performance in acting, singing and performing in general, she was always a joy to watch.

Amanda Whittington’s book manages to encapsulate the heart of the story, taking elements from both the movie adaptation and their true story to create a fantastic retelling which keeps a joyful and hopeful tone, even when the story takes a brief darker turn. James Grieve’s direction makes full use of Lucy Osborne’s wonderful set design, with Matt Coles choreography adding another impressive element to the already awe-inspiring musical numbers.

Whether you are familiar with their story or not, there is something for everybody in Fisherman’s Friends . Perhaps slightly reminiscent of Come From Away and The Choir Of Man at times, it was that joyful optimism that led to a truly remarkable show. Full of fantastic performances expertly done by a miraculous cast, Fisherman’s Friends was a surprising delight. While it seemed like I might not have had a chance to catch this show during its run, after what I witnessed on stage here, I’m glad this wasn’t one that got away.

Fisherman’s Friends is currently playing at Richmond Theatre until 4th March. It continues its UK tour until 20th May. Full dates and tickets at https://fishermanonstage.com/

Photos by Steve Tanner

• May 11, 2023

REVIEW: Fisherman's Friends The Musical (UK Tour)

Updated: Jan 22

The King's Theatre, Glasgow

"Based on the true story of the chart-topping Cornish singing sensations and their hit 2019 film, Fisherman’s Friends , this musical is a feel-good voyage about friendship, community and music which smashed box office records in Cornwall.

When a group of Cornish fishermen came together to sing the traditional working songs they’d sung for generations, nobody, least of all the fishermen, expected the story to end on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury."

As this musical opens, a fishing boat is being battered about the sea on stage. It's an impressive opening and I was captivated immediately. As Act I progresses we meet the residents of Port Isaac, Cornwall, played by a large cast of around 20 actors and musicians on stage.

There is no orchestra in a pit with this show, the music comes from the talented musicians onstage. They intertwine with the actors throughout the show and are always moving. There's always someone to watch and something new to see - it's very careful choreographed and effective.

Not since Come From Away have I heard such glorious voices and harmonies come together on a stage. The singing, the score and the music in this show are all magnificent. Before the show I had some doubt if I would enjoy 'sea shanties'. Well it turns out, they are gorgeous, and when sung by a cast of this quality they can also be touching or rousing depending on the theme. I am a convert!

The book is pretty predictable; it even says in the promotion and posters that the story ends on stage at Glastonbury. But it's fun to learn how the band get there, and despite all the ups and downs, it's an uplifting tale.

The set is cleverly designed and takes us from the local pub, to London's SOHO and the shore and back with ease. I was particularly impressed with how the lifeboat was done. It came from nowhere!

So too the sound mixing was good on this production (not always the case with touring shows!). The speech was clear and the music and singing complimented each other perfectly.

At one point the harmonies seemed to come from behind me and I even looked around to see if a choir had appeared in the circle!

I especially enjoyed the seagull and waves sound effects. Very realistic and made me yearn for a day at the Scottish seaside.

But quite rightly so, the focus throughout remains on the very strong ensemble cast. The success of this production relies heavily on the quality of the cast, their voices and musical skills. Casting has knocked it out the park!

Fisherman's Friends is a great new musical with a lot of heart and sole (!). A story about friendship, community and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Glasgow is the second last venue on the UK tour so you will need to be quick if you want to catch this lovely production. The tour finishes in London next week. More info and tickets here: https://fishermanonstage.com/tour-dates/

🌟 A review of Fisherman's Friends the musical UK Tour at Glasgow King's Theatre, May 2023 🌟

📸 Production photos: Pamela Raith Photography

📸 Follow @Lisa_InTheTheatre on Instagram for more photos and videos.

📧 For media and review requests contact [email protected]

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• Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical review

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13 years ago some singing fishermen from the Cornish village of Port Isaac found musical fame, earning a £1 million record deal with a major label. The group were known locally for their a cappella performances of sea shanties in the village harbour and their passion for traditional seafarers music ended up earning them a top 10 record on the album charts. The group’s heartwarming rise to fame was adapted into a 2019 film and in 2021 the film was transformed into a new musical stage show. Touring regional theatres and offering a completely different melodic style to traditional musical theatre, Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical is a theatrical tribute to Port Isaac, Cornwall and life by the sea.

This week Canterbury audiences get to set sail for the South West of England as Fisherman’s Friends has taken over The Marlowe Theatre. Bringing regional maritime tunes from the 1800s with them, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review the Cornish musical whilst it is in Kent. The show uses artistic licence to sensationalise the group’s journey to a record deal and Glastonbury, but the core of the story remains true: it all started with a few singing fishermen and they were discovered by visiting music professionals.

The last time I watched anything remotely similar was Come From Away at London’s Phoenix Theatre , but this show focused on the musical roots of Newfoundland in Canada. Although a similar sound, Fisherman’s Friends is far more stripped back and focuses on vocal blending. Supported by a light instrumental backing, the harmonies are exquisite and I frequently ended up with goosebumps.

What pleasantly surprised me was how much the entire cast got involved with the singing. I originally thought that the attention would be on the fishermen, but in reality every Port Isaac character had the opportunity to join in with a sea shanty. It was fascinating to watch the band and fishermen collaborate in recreating these historic tunes.

In terms of the traditional folk songs, (What shall we do with the) Drunken Sailor, Shanty Man and Cousin Jack were highlights of the setlist for me, but the original song ‘Village by the Sea’ was a standout favourite. This song represents the spirit of the entire production and what it means to live in Port Isaac. The audience gets to hear the piece of music twice throughout the musical and it is just as moving the second time, reflecting the community spirit of the county.

Movement and choreography

The use of movement throughout Fisherman’s Friends gives the production so much life. Matt Cole and Lindsay Atherton’s choreography accentuates the sea shanties and celebratory pub atmosphere, enhancing the fishermen’s performances. Specifically, it is wonderful to see traditional Cornish folk dancing make an appearance, with the performers cheerfully hopping and skipping across the stage. There are a few places where the synchronicity between the musicians and main cast could be sharper, but Fisherman’s Friends is inspired by real people and in a way, this contributes to the authenticity of the piece.

Cast performances

The standout roles for me were Alwyn: Jim’s daughter (Parisa Shahmir) and Maggie: Jim’s mother (Susan Penhaligon). Parisa Shahmir has a beautiful voice and her opening performance of ‘Village by the Sea’ is truly enchanting. 

Susan Penhaligon is also absolutely hilarious as Maggie. Her matchmaking skills and role as the fun and affectionate grandmother made me smile on many occasions. She is the heart and soul of the community and always manages to generate laughter.

A new favourite?

Fisherman’s Friends* is a maritime masterpiece that hits all of the right notes. This new musical is incredibly inspiring, from its folk influences to the creative use of movement. Audiences will instantly fall for the original song ‘Village by the Sea’ and want to explore captivating Cornwall. The musical is playing at The Marlowe Theatre until Saturday and the last few remaining tickets can be purchased from the theatre’s website.

Thanks for reading my blog today.

Love Kat xxxx

*My ticket for Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical was gifted in exchange for a review of the performance.

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Fisherman’s Friends The Musical: Review

The region’s cultural shores are currently awash with new musicals. Bolton’s Octagon Theatre is right now premiering, “The Book Thief – the musical”. A couple of weeks back, here at the Lowry, your doughty reviewer saw, “Identical – the musical,” and I’ll be back next month for “The Color Purple – the musical.” Tonight, meanwhile, it’s “Fisherman’s Friends – the musical”.

Is this a sign of a population in desperate need of a cheery song or two to lift its spirits? Perhaps. If so, batten down your hatches, me hearties, for a veritable tsunami of sea shanties is heading your way. “Fisherman’s Friends – the musical” showcases 32 (yes, thirty-two) songs; one or two new compositions, but mostly authentic folk and shanty (as verified by my music consultant for the night).

The (fact-based) story of Fisherman’s Friends, the shanty-singing ‘buoy band’ (not my pun) of Port Isaac in Cornwall, has been told several times (and has apparently not yet been squeezed quite dry: after this year’s “Fisherman’s Friends: One and All” film sequel, a further sequel is in development).

A&R man, Danny Anderson, arrives in the Golden Lion (serving ale to local fisherman since the mid-nineteenth century) to the kind of frosty welcome reserved for the most obnoxious of ‘emmets’ (look it up before you next visit Cornwall, and be forewarned). If he starts out lower than a crab’s belly, he soon digs himself into a lugworm’s burrow by conflating these proud Cornishmen (and women) with Dorset pop sensations, the Wurzels. Narrowly escaping sharing the fate of his expensive car (which is about to be carried off by the incoming tide) Danny tries to redeem himself by promising the Fisherman’s Friends (all regulars at the Golden Lion) that he can get them a recording contract with Island Records. Some of the group are quite keen (like Rowan, who inherited, along with the Golden Lion, massive debt now threatening him, his wife and their newborn with bankruptcy and homelessness). Others, like founding member Jago (Robert Duncan) and son, Jim, are dead set against. Not without reservations, Jago’s granddaughter, Alwyn, persuades the men to record a demo. Fame, fortune and a headline gig at Glastonbury await…or do they?

Danny, we soon learn, is someone for whom the truth is a manageable inconvenience. In reality, he is no longer employed in A&R (Artist and Repertoire) development with Island Records. Neither is his (former) boss eager for the Friends to hurry up to London and audition for her in person. On Danny’s say so, and believing a deal is all but signed and delivered, the men head for the capital.

A further inconvenience for Danny is his growing affection – despite being firmly warned off by her dad, Jim – for Jago’s granddaughter, Alwyn.

Is the lying, manipulative, self-serving Danny on the verge of an enormous redemption? Given that he has already betrayed his pledge to honour the Friends’ code – Truth, Respect, and Community – things are not looking good. Will it all end in tears, or can it possibly end in chart success and the Pyramid stage at Glasto?

It may seem churlish to the point of perversity to suggest that a musical has too many songs but, particularly in act one, this is how it feels. Like an egotistical headline star, the shanties gobble up so much stage time, too little is left for character, dialogue and plot. The shanties themselves are often overlong – never mind hauling nets in Lundy or Sole, some of these shanties are long enough to haul in RMS Queen Mary, currently anchored in Long Beach, California.

The singing is exceptional but, before the interval, there is the sense of being at a concert with a bit of acting squashed, grudgingly, into the small gaps between the songs. This matters because, if we don’t care about Danny and Alwyn, Rowan (Dan Buckley) and wife Sally (Hazel Monaghan), and the rest, we don’t really have a musical drama.

Fortunately, after the break, the story and the songs work in much closer harmony – a trio between grandmother Maggie (bona fide Cornishwoman, Susan Penhaligon), and Alwyn and Sally is a dramatic highlight.

“What you’ll regret is the trouble you didn’t get into,” the older woman counsels, over a bottle of rosé Prosecco. Wise words, indeed.

A generous audience laps up the occasional salty humour. “Skip the medicine; suck on a Fisherman’s Friend!”

As noted, the Friends sing admirably and not always acappella; there is an ensemble of experienced and respected folk musicians (my music consultant asks that I make special mention of Louisa Beadel, drums and percussion, which I am happy to do).

Parisa Sharmir in the role of Alwyn (“the Patti Smith of Port Isaac”) shows off a fine, clear, tuneful voice, as well as a feisty charm. Dialogue that veers from prosaic to clunky proletarian “poetry” doesn’t help other cast members create a sense of character. Jason Langley’s Danny is stuck as a less than endearing, youthful clone of Bradley Walsh.

Stepping up for the night, Hadrian Delacey fares better as Jim, but he does have the advantage of that fabulous singing voice.

It’s quite a long show (150 minutes plus interval) – room for ruthless editing, I’d say – but there’s plenty to enjoy in the music, even so.

The audience, by the way, loves it. Spirits duly raised (without a smuggler in sight).

Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical is at The Lowry from 27 September to 1 October 2022 before continuing on tour.

Martin Thomasson

A winner (with Les Smith) of the Manchester Evening News award for Best New Play, Martin taught script-writing at the universities of Bolton and Salford, before becoming an adjudicator and mentor for the 24:7 theatre festival. Over the years, in addition to drama, Martin has seen more ballet and contemporary dance than is wise for a man with two left feet, and much more opera than any other holder of a Grade 3 certificate in singing.

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The True Story of the Cornish Chart Topping Buoy Band

Based on the true story of the chart-topping cornish singing sensations and their hit 2019 movie, fisherman’s friends: the musical is a feel-good voyage about friendship, community and music which smashed box office records in cornwall..

When a group of Cornish fishermen came together to sing the traditional working songs they’d sung for generations, nobody, least of all the fishermen, expected the story to end on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. They are spotted by a fish-out-of-water music manager on a trip from London, who must learn that there is more to life than selling your sole for fifteen minutes of fame.

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Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors, fisherman's friends.

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In 1992, a group of Benedictine monks burned up the Billboard 200 charts with their album of Gregorian chants (titled Chant ), and sold nearly six million copies worldwide. In 2010, a group of rugged fishermen carved out their own anachronistic moment in pop music lore, as the copyright-free folk songs sung by Fisherman's Friends placed them at the Top 10 charts in the UK. 

Chris Foggin's “Fisherman’s Friends” doesn’t really explain how these harmonious workers and their sea shanties would have such a commercial appeal, and that proves to be intentional to its storytelling. This is a movie for instant fans; it's explicitly for anyone who doesn’t needs any convincing about why we'd instantly love them, much, in the same way, its underdog tale is eagerly meant to be seen as pure and even more cloyingly, as crowd-pleasing.  

This is an origin story of sorts for the ten singers who later made the biggest-selling traditional folk album of all time, primarily told from the perspective of someone trying to sell them to the world. Daniel Mays plays Danny, a snobby music manager who ventures to a small fishing town with his other A&R friends, bringing plenty of snobbiness. As a prank, Danny’s buddies hype him up to sign the town's singing group of ten fishermen, who they watch captivate the locals by the water with a version of "John Kanaka." Because this is the A&R guy version of "Jackass," Danny's buddies leave him behind in the town as he struggles to get used to its poor cell phone reception and tries to get them to sign. Even after he learns that his buddies were just joking, the script quickly converts the displaced Londoner into seeing the Fisherman's Friends' earnest potential—especially when he spends some time with them on the seas—and genuinely wanting to get their sound out there.

The actual members of Fisherman’s Friends get a broader treatment, their screen time put into bite-sized sequences that have them talking about the traditions they cling to while exemplifying the tidy characteristics they fit across age demographics. For example, the main detail about David Hayman ’s singer Jago is the winking detail that he might be a little old for a boy band (Hayman is charming in a role that doesn't use him much). Or there’s the group leader Jim ( James Purefoy ), who has his skepticism about Danny and a protective stubbornness that comes to the surface after an accident midway through the movie. Then there's young Rowan, who owns the pub that provides a communal space for not just the singers but the townsfolk and is unsure how he’ll be able to pay for its rising costs. The script by Piers Ashworth , Meg Leonard , and Nick Moorcraft doesn’t put too much into these main guys, not to mention the ones we don't even get to know, because it wants us to see them as superheroes—they are brilliant workers on the sea, and the lyrics to jams like “South Australia” or “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” emerge perfectly from their hearts. 

It helps that the movie is chock-full of solid performances, of people whose faces you remember even if the characters give you far less. This is particularly relevant as the movie lulls you into a rom-com rhythm as Danny tries to win over Jim’s daughter Alwyn ( Tuppence Middleton ), another way to prove that he’s not just a vulture from the big city. And of all the residents who are written to have more than just a little glimmer in their eyes, Middleton might be the best salesperson. She puts a full, patient delivery into lines like, “The people who come and listen to them don’t care if they hit the high notes—they want to be transported to the high seas," even if some viewers might be accompanying that one with a groan. 

Here's a movie that doubles down on the city vs. country culture clash and dares you to look at the fishermen's scraggly faces and knit sweaters, and listen to their five-part harmonies, or see the endless amount of happy people in town, and not wish that you were among them. It's an enticing prospect, but Foggin has little idea of how to make this all fun visually, with bits of ensemble comedy inspiring some of its weakest direction, the camera often blandly watching the residents bust Danny's chops about being the new guy in town. At the very least, Foggin can make it a little cute. When it’s time for the group to go prove their chops out in London, they show up to the tour bus in slow-motion, now all wearing sunglasses, a sea-shanty heard in place of where a typical hip-hop cue would be. Even an inspired idea comes from tradition in "Fisherman's Friends," which is more charming with the tunes than the filmmaking.  

The second half of "Fisherman's Friends" shows more of the group's bumpy path to mainstream popularity, including a high-profile wedding gig for a music executive that nearly blacklists them before they even get started. It's less of a cringing moment because their music style is so out of place, but the story casts them with such a flat underdog dynamic, all the more obvious as they slowly rise to fame and a little fortune. Still, it’s not as bad as when the third act is stuck with Rowan's arc and in a larger sense, Danny’s cliche existence as a city guy who learns that you shouldn't help put the local pub up for sale. It’s a belabored subplot that feels like bad karma for all of the script’s many other cheap elements.  

For however much of this is true, it turns out that one of the more honest features about "Fisherman's Friends" is that it’s told through the eyes of an A&R guy. Because this movie isn’t trying to sell you on their music, so much as the script itself, with all of its mild jokes, mechanical romance, and scenes of Jim and the gang rousing up a pub with songs that were the “rock ’n roll of 1752.” The film wants to be as amiable as a drunken singalong, but it's too pushy to make you want to join in.

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Nick Allen is the former Senior Editor at RogerEbert.com and a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association.

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Fisherman’s Friends (2020)

Rated PG-13 for some strong language, and suggestive references.

112 minutes

Daniel Mays as Danny

James Purefoy as Jim

Tuppence Middleton as Alwyn

David Hayman as Jago

Dave Johns as Leadville

Sam Swainsbury as Rowan

Maggie Steed as Maggie

Noel Clarke as Troy

• Chris Foggin
• Piers Ashworth
• Nick Moorcroft
• Meg Leonard

Cinematographer

• Simon Tindall
• Johnny Daukes
• Rupert Christie

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‘Fisherman’s Friends’ Review: A Tale of Unlikely Chart-Toppers

This movie about singing seafaring working men hums a familiar tune.

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By Glenn Kenny

This is one of those “based on a true story” movies that rather undercuts its veracity by having every character talk like they’re in a movie. In 2010, in Port Isaac, Cornwall, a quartet of loutish music industry execs throwing a stag weekend for a colleague hear the singing of the local fisherman. Described by one character as “the rock 'n' roll of 1752,” it sure has some heavenly harmonies, and one of the louts hears the sound of money.

But a couple of the singers don’t want to hear word one about a deal. “We’re just fishermen, you see … there’s no need to sell our souls for fifteen minutes of fame … now if you don’t mind, son, some of us here have some real work to do.”

Repeat some variation of that for nearly two hours and there’s the plurality of Piers Ashworth, Meg Leonard and Nick Moorcroft’s dialogue for “Fisherman’s Friends,” directed by Chris Foggin.

The Cornwall seaside, shot here with care by Simon Tindall, is formidable and lovely indeed, and when the gruff seafaring manly men are singing instead of being grumpy, as in one church-set recording session, you could almost mistake this picture for a very slight, mildly charming variant of the genuinely great 1983 film “Local Hero.” (And yes, the Fisherman’s Friends are a real choral group, that really charted, that really sings in Port Isaac to this day .)

But that impression is likely to fade fast. Between predictable, commonplace plot turns and characterizations of music business types that are even more obnoxious than the norm, the movie’s straining for effect is less than ingratiating.

Fisherman’s Friends Rated PG-13 for the gruff language of the gruff locals. Running time: 1 hour 52 minutes. Rent or buy on iTunes , Google Play and other streaming platforms and pay TV operators.

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Fisherman’s Friends: One and All review – flavourless reheat of factory-made Britcom

Sequel to comedy about a singing group of mates fortuitously brought to fame is likable enough but all too predictable

I n 2019, Cornwall’s sea shanty group Fisherman’s Friends got the Full Monty treatment, when the story of how they hit the big time after a record exec discovered them singing down their local pub inspired a good-humoured harmless comedy . One the major charms of Fisherman’s Friends is their authenticity: a bunch of mates singing for pleasure and for each other is a world away from manufactured pop. So, it was a bit of shame that the original film had that slightly flavourless taste of a factory-made British feelgood comedy. That goes double for this sequel.

A chunk of the very likable cast is back. James Purefoy returns as lead singer Jim, who has hit the bottle after the death of his dad, Fisherman’s co-founder Jago, at the end of the first movie. There are more problems when one of the group’s more senior singers, Leadville (Dave Johns), makes inappropriate comments to a female journalist. A humourless media trainer arrives in Port Isaac, taking exception to being called “my darling”.

A couple of scenes here poking fun at cancel culture and wokeness briefly make the move a little less good-natured than the original, before it settles into a kinder message of embrace-your-differences and hug-a-stranger togetherness. Next on the train from London is label manager Leah, played with warmth and a nicely timed eye-roll by Jade Anouka, who makes every scene she appears in feel 75% more real.

Despite Leah’s best efforts, the band is dropped after a disastrous press conference at which Jim drunkenly loses his rag. The weakest part of the film follows as he slopes off to lick his wounds and make eyes at an Irish rocker with a Chrissie Hynde fringe (Imelda May). Meanwhile, Jim’s mum cracks a plan for a Glastonbury gig to save the band.

This is a well-made film and nice looking, but there’s a tiresome predictability to a few too many scenes. It is a franchise that feels like it’s hit the rocks.

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Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Guided Walking Tour of the Moscow Metro

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You would like, admiring the frescoes in kurskaya and komsomolskaya metro stations, marvelling at the architecture of the moscow metro, listening to your guide's commentary, essential information *, duration 1 hour 50 minutes, starting time 2:00 pm.

Set off to discover the most breathtaking stops on Moscow’s beautiful metro system on this walking tour.

Some of the stops on the Moscow metro are real masterpieces. Head underground and admire the Moscow metro with your guide.

During your guided tour, you will get to admire the Ploshchad Revolyutsii , designed by the architect Dushkin. There are no fewer than 72 sculptures in this station!

You will then explore Kurskaya station, built in 1938. The design, mosaics and slogans will immerse you in the era of Stalin. You will also see the frescoes depicting Russian victories in Komsomolskaya station.

Then, continue to one of Moscow’s must-see metro stations, Novoslobodskaya , which resembles an underground palace: marble, stained glass windows...

Join your guide to explore the most lavish and important metro stops in Moscow! 

• Availability: every day (excluding exceptional dates)
• Duration: 1 hr. 50 mins approx.
• Departure point: The Kremlin
• Languages: English
• Please wear comfortable shoes
• Metro tickets are included for the metro stations visited during the activity 
• A valid student card will be requested from participants who have booked the reduced student tariff
• A minimum of 2 participants is required to book this activity

Price includes

• Metro tickets
• The services of an English-speaking tour guide
• The guided tour of the Moscow metro

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