Sing Street - Lyric Theatre Hammersmith

The scene is 1985 Dublin and Conor Lawlor (Sheridan Townsley) is struggling, as is most of the country at the time. From financial struggles to a tyrannical headmaster, it seems as though Conor cannot catch a break. Until he meets Raphina (Grace Collender), and the biggest lie he tells her might just be the thing that saves his life. Based on the 2016 film, Sing Street the musical is a breath of fresh air. A real reminder of the power of music. Although not quite perfect (yet), watching this talented cast at work is truly liberating.

The book by Enda Walsh is a brilliant symbiosis of joy and heart-break. Working alongside of this is a score by Gary Clark and John Carney. Riddled with epic tunes which evolve as the story progresses, this soundtrack is guaranteed to stay in your head for days afterwards.

Despite the occasional pacing hiccup—where the momentum of a bold, high-energy scene was momentarily disrupted by a shift in tone before swiftly regaining its stride—the overall rhythm of the production was masterfully executed. The show moved with such confidence and precision that it did not leave a single second for an audience member to even so much as think about looking at the time.

Photography: Manuel Harlan

That same sense of deliberate control extended to the storytelling. While some characters—particularly the imposing bully Barry, portrayed by Jack James Ryan—could have used a touch more development in their story arcs, the decision to lean into mystery rather than resort to rushed conclusions is exactly what gives this show its staying power.

Townsley’s performance as Conor is both tender and defiant — a beautiful blend of vulnerability and edge. This performance is truly impressive—especially considering it is a professional debut—demonstrating a remarkable vocal range in effortless shifts from delicate ballads to driving rock anthems. Townsley is backed by a band of fresh faces all relatively new to the theatre scene, but you’d never know it — they take to the stage with the confidence and energy of seasoned performers. Playing the entire score live (with the occasional cheeky nod to '80s pop culture), this ensemble proves to be a force of nature.

Photography: Manuel Harlan

Another standout performance—albeit for strikingly different reasons—came from Lloyd Hutchinson as Brother Baxter. Commanding the stage with a sinister gravitas, Hutchinson delivers a performance that is as magnetic as it is unsettling. With a single glance or shift in tone, he conjures an atmosphere of quiet menace that lingers long after he exits the scene. His portrayal is both chilling and captivating, anchoring the darker undercurrents of the production with unnerving precision.

The show's design is exceptionally well executed—from eccentric costumes to a large dollhouse, Sing Street truly hits the mark. My personal favourite moment was the costumes (Lisa Zinni) featured in the band's first song, "Riddle of the Model." The unique style given to each character is a major reason why this production feels so heart-warming: it celebrates individuality within a strong ensemble.

I could easily write pages praising every aspect of this production—but that would turn this review into a novella. Suffice it to say, it would be a disservice not to end with this: go see Sing Street—or risk regretting it forever.

Production Value: 85%

Value for Money: 85%

Personal Enjoyment: 95%

Overall Score: 88% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)

(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, London

Playing until the 23rd August 2025

Run Time: 2h30 min - including a 20-minute interval

Ticket prices starting from £15 can be found on the show's official website. Click the link here to book online.