Shanties, sea-tales and even a life-sized boat have set eyes on the Sussex coast as Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical sails into Brighton this March. The show follows the journey of Cornish folk group Fisherman’s Friends, from the famed Golden Lion pub where it all began to nationwide tours and even a feature film. We were fortunate enough to chat with some of the creatives behind this world premiere production to find out just what it is that ensures the group’s enduring place within the hearts of so many.

“The real Fisherman’s Friends are ordinary blokes who work hard as fishermen, farmers, builders and shopkeepers,” asserts James Grieve, the director of the musical. “We all see ourselves in them. They never sought fame and fortune but it found them and their remarkable talent, and it’s wonderful when good people get justly rewarded. That’s what makes this story so uplifting.”

I am sure that it comes as no surprise to anyone that, although located along the same coast with the same waters lapping at its beaches, it is there that the similarities between Brighton and rural Cornwall begin to wane. Yet, as is the case with many coastal communities, the briny deep holds a sway over those that live by it, with it and atop it.

Since time began, the sea has inspired awe and with it the necessity to encapsulate that awe within stories, culture and song. Those songs have been passed down from generation to generation across centuries. We are but the current caretakers of age-old melody and message, from working songs to love ditties and sorrowful odes to uplifting jigs. Hailing from the Cornish town of Port Isaac, the group Fisherman’s Friends took those traditional songs of the sea and rounded them off with a contemporary feel and an added splash of humour and mirth mixed in for good measure. This touring production charts the tale of the group and is, according to Grieve, “a feel-good, foot-stomping, sea shanty musical telling the astonishing story of the world’s least likely boyband.”

Since 1995 Fisherman’s Friends have achieved great renown and success with their own brand of folk-inspired shanties. Short but immensely popular tours across the years have seen them visit folk festivals up and down the country (as well as Glastonbury) and usually incorporate a stop at their hometown for a charity concert along the way. The musical based on their heart-warming story has already broken box-office records at the group’s local theatre in Truro, but what is it about the show (and those that inspired it) that speaks to audiences further afield?

“Some of the things in it are peculiarly Cornish but the idea of how the landscape shapes people is true wherever you go,” says Robert Duncan who plays Jago in the production. “Plus it’s about community and getting through things together, which is now more relevant than ever.”

Amanda Whittington, who adapted the story for the stage, agrees. “It’s a fascinating world to explore and discover. Port Isaac and the fisherman’s way of life is rich territory for drama and the characters are funny, real and recognisable. Then of course there’s the sea shanties…”

And there is certainly no shortage of them, with the show’s tracklist numbering thirty-seven in all. The show’s singers are accompanied by seven folk musicians who play an incredible total of forty instruments between them.

“The band are stunning,” says James Gaddas, of Bad Girls and Hollyoaks fame, who plays lead singer Jim. “You get a cappella performances, then the counterpoints when the musicians join in.”

But the show promises sentiment with the sing-song in a story with community and friendship, loyalty and love at its heart. “It’s not the picture-postcard image, it’s the real Cornwall,” says Susan Penhaligon who plays Maggie and was raised in Cornwall herself. “As far as I’m concerned, we’re exporting the right kind of Cornish culture rather than bobbing boats, pasties and jam and cream on scones.”

As always, there is a message in the music, passed through the ages from generation to generation.

“Times are tough and we want Fisherman’s Friends to be a joyous and life-affirming experience for all,” says Whittington. “It’s a story about the place you call home, whatever and wherever that is. I also think you’ll be literally taking the songs away in your head and heart. Once heard, they’re never forgotten.”  

And of these songs, we are but the current caretakers.

Theatre Royal Brighton, Tuesday 7th March – Saturday 11th March 2023
For tickets and further information click here
Photo by Pamela Raith