The Commitments and Thriller Live extend booking to April 2015

Two shows on Shaftesbury Avenue have today announced extended booking periods.

At the Palace Theatre, Roddy Doyle's The Commitments, adapted from his award-winning novel, has extended its booking period to 19 April 2015.

Peppered with soul classics, the show tells the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working class music fan, who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians into an amazing live act, the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced.

Directed by Jamie Lloyd, The Commitments premiered in the West End Palace Theatre on 8 October 2013 (previews from 21 September). The cast includes WhatsOnStage Award nominee Killian Donnelly.

Producer Phil McIntyre said: "We’re extremely happy to announce that The Commitments has extended its current booking period to April 2015. The show has really found its feet in the Palace Theatre and the response from audiences has been quite incredible."

Up the road at the Lyric Theatre, Thriller Live, the Michael Jackson tribute show that premiered shortly before the singer's death in 2009, has also extended to 19 April 2015.

Billed as a concert show, Thriller Live includes Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 chart-toppers from best-selling albums including Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous and HIStory.

Nica Burns, chief executive of Lyric owner Nimax theatres, said: "Thriller Live brings people together from all walks of life to celebrate the genius of Michael Jackson and his incredible music. They go home singing and dancing. No wonder the show holds the record for the longest ever run in the Lyric Theatre’s 125-year history."