It is adapted by the Booker Prize-winning novelist himself, and will contain a score of classic soul songs including "Mustang Sally."

It will be directed by Jamie Lloyd, who is currently also represented in the West End by his own resident company at the Trafalgar Studios, where Macbeth, starring James McAvoy, is currently running through April 27, to be followed by Pinter's The Hothouse with Simon Russell Beale, John Simm and John Heffernan, from May 9. On Broadway, Lloyd was represented last year by his production of Cyrano de Bergerac for Roundabout Theatre Company.

According to press materials, the cast will be made up of new, fresh and exciting talent, most of whom are under 21. Three-quarters of those already cast hail from Ireland, with several coming from the open auditions.

In the show, Jimmy auditions a number of wannabes after placing a classified advert in a music paper, before finalizing the new line-up who he names The Commitments. The show follows the band getting to know each other and their instruments, and proceeding through early rehearsals for their first gig. Just as they improve and begin to get a name for themselves they combust. The backing singers are all getting off with the middle aged horn legend, the singer has entered Eurovision and the saxophone player has dangerous leanings towards a jazz career.

In a press statement, Doyle commented, "I'm extremely excited by this, which is great because I’m nearly 55 and I feel a bit giddy about it. I hadn't planned to write it myself but then I did and I really enjoyed it. After meeting a number of impressive writers I told my wife, 'I’m thinking I might have a bash at the script myself' and she said 'You took your time.'" Tickets for all preview performances will be sold at half price (£5-£33.75). To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 412 4656, or visit www.thecommitmentslondon.com for more details.