Fisherman’s Friends has dropped anchor in Malvern, complete with a trawler’s-worth of talented performers who sing sea shanties and folk songs about friendship and community, stepping, shuffling and stomping their way through a host of energetic dance routines in the process.

Based on a true and truly terrific tale about an ordinary group of blokes - working hard as fishermen, farmers, builders and shopkeepers in the small Cornish village of Port Isaac - the story follows their efforts to raise money for charity by singing traditional songs passed down from their forefathers. An unlikely, er, ‘buoy band’ if ever there was one, they call themselves Fisherman’s Friends - although there’s an amusing moment in the show when it’s suggested they could instead be known as The Cornish Pasties!

Welcomed in by the soft sound of seagulls, you can almost taste the sea salt in the air. The action starts with the enigmatic sound of the shipping forecast, before a dark vessel appears on stage, rocking perilously on a stormy sea. Later scenes deliver cosier coastal vibes at the harbour and in the pub.

The band are discovered by chance by a fish-out-of-water music manager named Danny, a man who, on a trip from London, must learn that there’s more to life than selling your soul for 15 minutes of fame. His life is transformed by Port Isaac, the fishermen and their shanties. But it’s a coming together that serves both parties well: Danny’s arrival in the singing seafarers’ lives kickstarts an adventure that will eventually see them securing a top-10 hit in the UK charts and performing at the legendary Glastonbury Festival.

Under the direction of James Grieves, James Gaddas convincingly leads the a cappella ‘crew’ as Captain Jim, a devoted son and father. But Fisherman’s Friends is truly an ensemble piece, and the strongest scenes are when the cast perform as one. 

There are more than 30 musical numbers to enjoy, including most of the songs from the hit 2019 film version of the story. The cast are accompanied by very talented folk musicians who brilliantly enhance the atmosphere of each scene, but the ‘high tide’ of the show is undoubtedly the singing. If I were to pick out a stand-alone performer, it would have to be Parisa Shahmir, who plays Jim’s daughter, Alwyn. Lightheartedly described as the ‘Taylor Swift of the South West’, her voice is pitch perfect, beautiful, and never better showcased than in her mesmerising rendition of Tidal Pool. 

The real strength of the show, however, is the whole cast’s camaraderie, with each individual bringing a wealth of talent to proceedings. Fisherman’s Friends The Musical certainly boasts a fine catch of amazing voices and great acting talent.

It was no surprise at all when last night’s audience rose to their feet to give the production a standing ovation. This whale of a tale about friendship, community and music certainly floated my boat, and there’s every chance it will float yours too. So why not climb aboard, find your sea legs and allow yourself to fall for this critically acclaimed musical - hook, line and sinker!

5 stars

Reveiwed by Jo Farrar at Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 21 March

The show runs at Malvern Theatres until Saturday (25 March).