Good Vibrations tells the story of Terri Hooley, a radical, rebel and music-lover in 1970s Belfast. When the conflict shuts down his city, and all his friends take sides and take up arms, Terri opens a record shop on ‘the most bombed half-mile in Europe’ and calls it Good Vibrations.
Good Vibrations reunites Colin Carberry and Glenn Patterson – the original writing team behind the BAFTA nominated film of the same name- to helm this stage adaptation. Alongside director Des Kennedy they have produced a real rollercoaster of a musical that takes us through Terri’s life, set against…no, in the middle of… the troubles in Northern Ireland. Whilst this mightn’t take the traditional format of a musical make no mistake that this is very much a musical at heart, with all music played live and full performances from almost the word go. The play is rowdy, hectic and brilliantly done, a sort of method in the madness that makes you laugh, cry and sing along. Terri is played expertly by Aaron McCusker (of Shameless fame), as he embodies the part, making Terri flawed, genius and most importantly, human. On opening night Terri Hooley himself came on at the end and standing beside each other they could’ve been father and son. The supporting cast of young actors flourish in their roles and carry out the triple threat of acting, singing and dancing to perfection. Good Vibrations is a great night out, endorsed by ‘The Godfather Of Belfast Punk’ himself, it certainly keeps the spirit of punk rock alive!
Good Vibrations runs til the end of September at Lyric Theatre with tickets starting from £17
