RODDY Doyle's book and film were smash hits respectively, so it's no wonder the stage musical will have a huge enthusiastic following.
This West End show, directed by Caroline Jay Ranger and on stage at the Liverpool Empire this week, ticks all the musical boxes.
Mr Doyle's dialogue and story-telling are as sharp as ever.
The show features humour, poignancy, hope, ambition, conflict and, above all, first-rate performances, choreography and songs delivered with gusto and passion.
This tale of the formation and disintegration of a Dublin-based soul band in 1986 should be seen by anyone thinking of auditioning for The X-Factor.
A 20-strong cast takes the audience on a jouney - the stuff of which sweet dreams are made.
Aspiring manager Jimmy, played with urbane charm by Andrew Linnie, knows there's more to Irish music than U2.
Jimmy has high hopes of bringing music back to where it belongs - working-class people.
He is convinced the vehicle is soul in all its shapes and forms.
The cast become the on-stage band from keyboards to sexy horns and perfect percussion.
The vocals are top notch from the solo numbers to harmonies.
And what a track list of classics to dip into: You Keep Me Hanging On, I heard It Through The Grapevine; River Deep, Mountain High and the Otis Redding gem Try A Little Tenderness.
Plus many more from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.
Former Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy - a one-time bass player with The Smiths is on cracking form as Jimmy's acerbic Da.
Full of funny one-liners throughout.
Brian Gillligan is exceptional as the ultra-talented (and he knows it in a Robbie Williams-type pf way) Deco whose ego gets the betrer of him.
It is, however, an ensemble piece but the three feisty female Commitments are oustanding: Amy Peston (a LIPA Graduate); Leah Penston and and Christine Tedders.
This is one satisfying show where the company squeeze every ounce of energy from each other - a fanstatic finale has everyone in the audience on their feet and, no doubt, humming the timeless songs on the way home.
Soul-full - Four Stars
The show is on at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday.
Tickets from 0844 8713017
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here