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Sing Street
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJohn Carney
Screenplay byJohn Carney
Story by
  • John Carney
  • Simon Carmody
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyYaron Orbach
Edited by
  • Andrew Marcus
  • Julian Ulrichs
Music by
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release dates
  • 24 January 2016 (2016-01-24) (Sundance)
  • 17 March 2016 (2016-03-17) (Ireland)
  • 15 April 2016 (2016-04-15) (United States)
  • 20 May 2016 (2016-05-20) (United Kingdom)
Running time
106 minutes[1]
Countries
  • Ireland[2]
  • United Kingdom[2]
  • United States[2]
LanguageEnglish
Budget$4 million[3]
Box office$13.6 million[4]

Sing Street is a 2016 coming-of-age musical comedy-drama film written and directed by John Carney from a story by Carney and Simon Carmody. Starring Lucy Boynton, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Aidan Gillen, Jack Reynor, Kelly Thornton and Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, the story revolves around a teenage boy who forms a band to impress a girl in 1980s Dublin. It is an international co-production of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on 24 January 2016. It was released in Ireland on 17 March 2016, in the United States on 15 April and in the United Kingdom on 20 May. The film received positive reviews from critics, grossed $13.6 million worldwide on a $4 million budget, and was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 74th Golden Globe Awards.

Plot

[edit]

In 1985, 15-year-old Conor Lalor[5] lives in inner-city South Dublin with his parents, Robert and Penny, and two older siblings, Brendan and Ann. Since his parents constantly argue, Conor writes music as a way to cope with his troubled home life. Due to recent financial difficulties, Robert and Penny announce that Conor will be transferred from his private school to Synge Street, a public Christian Brothers school.

On his first day at Synge Street, Conor is reprimanded by Brother Baxter, the stern school principal, for not wearing the mandatory black shoes, despite Conor's pleas that he cannot afford new shoes. After Baxter orders him to remove his brown shoes, Conor paints the shoes black. An encounter with school bully Barry introduces Conor to Darren, a budding entrepreneur. Conor then meets and becomes smitten with Raphina, a 16-year-old aspiring model who lives across the street from the school. In an effort to impress Raphina, he decides to form a band and recruits her for a music video. Darren agrees to manage his band and introduces him to multi-instrumentalist Eamon.

They are soon joined by keyboardist Ngig, drummer Larry and bassist Garry, naming their band Sing Street. The band practises in Eamon's living room, playing covers until Brendan, a music enthusiast, encourages Conor to develop the band's own style. Conor writes original songs with Eamon, describing themselves as "futurists". Sing Street films their first music video wearing outlandish costumes; Raphina acts as ingénue and makeup artist. Conor wears makeup to school the next day, and Baxter forcibly removes it.

Raphina gives Conor the nickname "Cosmo", which she says is more in keeping with his new band's image. She tells him about her plans to leave for London soon with her older boyfriend, Evan, with whom she has an on-and-off relationship. After spending the day filming a music video for a new song, Conor and Raphina kiss. At school, he stands up to Barry.

As Conor and Raphina grow closer, he takes her out to Dalkey Island in his grandfather's motor cruiser. There, they view the car ferry leaving Dún Laoghaire for the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Robert and Penny inform the family that they are getting legally separated and selling the house, as Penny has fallen in love with her boss and plans to move in with him, while Robert intends to get himself an apartment.

Sing Street prepares to film a Back to the Future-inspired music video for their new song in the school gym, but Conor is disheartened when Raphina fails to show up, only to find that she has left for London without telling him. A few days later, Raphina returns to Dublin, explaining to Conor that Evan abandoned her in London after they had a fight. When Raphina laments that her life now involves "hanging out with a 15-year-old schoolboy", Conor distances himself from her.

An opportunity arises for the band to play at an end-of-term dance at school. Conor offers Barry the chance to be the band's roadie and escape his abusive family. For their encore at the school dance, Sing Street performs a new song mocking bullies like Baxter while distributing homemade masks of Baxter's face to the audience. Raphina arrives as the band is playing to an excited crowd. After the dance, Conor and Raphina reconcile.

Later that night, Conor and Raphina persuade Brendan to drive them to Dalkey, so the pair can escape in the motor cruiser and travel to London, bringing with them Raphina's headshots and Conor's demo tapes and videos. Before leaving, Conor says goodbye to his sleeping mother. As the three arrive at the harbour at dawn, Conor and Brendan embrace. Conor and Raphina sail out to sea, following the ferry across the rough Irish Sea to a new life in London. Brendan watches them disappear into the distance and cheers, overjoyed that his younger brother has moved on to greater things.

Cast

[edit]
  • Lucy Boynton as Raphina: a 16 year old aspiring model who becomes acquainted with Conor and the members of Sing Street
  • Maria Doyle Kennedy as Penny: Conor, Brendan, and Ann's mother and Robert's wife
  • Aidan Gillen as Robert: Conor, Brendan, and Ann's father and Penny's husband
  • Jack Reynor as Brendan: Conor's older brother
  • Kelly Thornton as Ann: Conor's older sister
  • Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as Conor: a 15 year old Irish student at Synge Street and the band's lead vocalist and guitarist
  • Ian Kenny as Barry: a student at Synge Street who bullies Conor but eventually becomes the band's roadie
  • Ben Carolan as Darren: the band's manager and cameraman
  • Percy Chamburuka as Ngig: the band's keyboardist
  • Mark McKenna as Eamon: a multi instrumentalist and the band's guitarist
  • Don Wycherley as Brother Baxter: the principal of Synge Street
  • Conor Hamilton as Larry: the band's drummer
  • Karl Rice as Garry: the band's bassist
  • Lydia McGuinness as Miss Dunne: an art lecturer at Synge Street

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

In February 2014, it was announced that John Carney would be directing the film, from a screenplay he wrote about a boy starting a band in order to impress a girl. Carney would produce through his Distressed Films banner, along with Anthony Bregman through his Likely Story Banner, Kevin Frakes for PalmStar Media, and Raj Brinder Singh for Merced Media Partners, with Paul Trijbits and Christian Grass for FilmWave.[6] The film is a semi-autobiographical depiction of Carney's upbringing in Dublin.[7]

Casting

[edit]
Cast of Sing Street at the 2016 Dublin International Film Festival. Left to right: Percy Chamburuka, Mark McKenna, Kelly Thornton, Ben Carolan, Ian Kenny, Conor Hamilton.

In a July 2014 interview, Carney announced he would be casting unknown actors in the film.[8][9] The unknown actors turned out to be Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Ben Carolan, Mark McKenna, Percy Chamburuka, Conor Hamilton, Karl Rice and Ian Kenny.[10] In September 2014, it was announced that Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Jack Reynor had joined the cast of the film, portraying the role of Conor's father, mother and brother respectively.[11][12]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography began in September 2014 in Dublin and concluded on 25 October 2014.[13] Its namesake school, Synge Street CBS, was among the shooting locations for the film.[14]

Music

[edit]

Much of the original music by the band "Sing Street" was composed by Danny Wilson frontman Gary Clark,[10][15][16] with Carney, Ken and Carl Papenfus of the band Relish,[17] Graham Henderson and Zamo Riffman also receiving writing credits.[18] Adam Levine co-wrote (with Carney and Glen Hansard) and sings on the track "Go Now".[19]

The film also features music of the period from the Cure, a-ha, Duran Duran, the Clash, Hall & Oates, Spandau Ballet, the Blades and the Jam.[20]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Main article: Sing Street (soundtrack)

The soundtrack album was released by Decca Records on 11 March 2016.[16]

Release

[edit]

In February 2014, it was announced that FilmNation Entertainment had been selected to sell international rights to the film.[21] In May 2014, it was announced The Weinstein Company had acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film, for $3 million.[22]

Sing Street had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on 24 January 2016.[23] The film screened at the Dublin Film Festival on 18 February 2016,[24] and at South by Southwest on 11 March 2016.[25] The film was released by Lionsgate in Ireland on 17 March[24][26] and in the United Kingdom on 20 May 2016.[27][28] It was released in the United States on 15 April 2016.[29]

Home media

[edit]

The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2016.[30]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Sing Street grossed $13.6 million worldwide.[4]

In the United States, the film made $63,573 from five theatres on its opening weekend, an average of $13,796 per venue.[31]

Critical response

[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 95% based on 214 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Sing Street is a feel-good musical with huge heart and irresistible optimism, and its charming cast and hummable tunes help to elevate its familiar plotting."[32] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 79 out of 100 based on 38 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[33] Audiences polled by PostTrak gave the film a 96% overall positive score and an 85% "definite recommend".[31]

Guy Lodge of Variety gave the film a positive review, writing, "Perched on a tricky precipice between chippy kitchen-sink realism and lush wish-fulfilment fantasy, this mini-Commitments gets away with even its cutesiest indulgences thanks to a wholly lovable ensemble of young Irish talent and the tightest pop tunes—riffing on Duran Duran and the Cure with equal abandon and affection—any gaggle of Catholic schoolboys could hope to write themselves. Given the right marketing and word of mouth, this Weinstein Co. release could Sing a song of far more than sixpence."[34]

In The Observer, Mark Kermode gave the film four out of five stars, writing: "When it comes to capturing the strange, romantic magic of making music, few modern film-makers are more on the money than John Carney." He added, "The bittersweet, 'happy sad' drama that follows has drawn inevitable, if misguided, comparisons with The Commitments, yet tonally this is closer to the teen spirit of Todd Graff's 2009 film Bandslam...or even Richard Linklater’s sublime School of Rock. As Carney has proved previously, he knows how to straddle the line between the sound in the room and the sound in your head – a sequence that segues from bedroom composition to living room rehearsal (with tea and biscuits) to full studio production perfectly negotiates the space between kitchen-sink realism and musical fantasy in which this lovely, lyrical movie casts its spell". Kermode concluded by saying, "Happy sad indeed. I laughed, I cried, I bought the soundtrack album."[35]

Accolades

[edit]
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref(s)
Austin Film Critics Association 28 December 2016 Best Film Sing Street 10th Place [36]
Critics' Choice Awards 11 December 2016 Best Song "Drive It Like You Stole It" – Gary Clark Nominated [37]
Dorian Awards 26 January 2017 Unsung Film of the Year Sing Street Nominated [38]
Empire Awards 19 March 2017 Best Soundtrack Sing Street Nominated [39]
Golden Globe Awards 8 January 2017 Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Sing Street Nominated [40]
Golden Tomato Awards 12 January 2017 Best Limited Release 2016 Sing Street 4th Place [41]
Best Musical/Music Movie 2016 Sing Street 2nd Place
Houston Film Critics Society 6 January 2017 Best Original Song "Drive It Like You Stole It" – Gary Clark Nominated [42]
[43]
Irish Film & Television Awards 9 April 2016 Best Film Sing Street Nominated [44]
Best Director John Carney Nominated
Best Script John Carney Nominated
Best Actor in a Supporting Role Jack Reynor Won
Best Original Score Gary Clark and John Carney Nominated
Best Sound Robert Flanagan Nominated
Best Costume Design Tiziana Corvisieri Nominated
Best Makeup & Hair Sing Street Nominated
London Film Critics' Circle 22 January 2017 British/Irish Film of the Year Sing Street Nominated [45]
Young British/Irish Actor of the Year Ferdia Walsh-Peelo Nominated
Technical Achievement John Carney and Gary Clark (music) Nominated
National Board of Review 4 January 2017 Top 10 Independent Films Sing Street Won [46]
San Diego Film Critics Society 12 December 2016 Best Original Score Sing Street Won [47]
[48]
St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association 18 December 2016 Best Soundtrack Sing Street Won [49]
Best Song "Drive It Like You Stole It" – Gary Clark Nominated

Stage adaptation

[edit]
Main article: Sing Street (musical)

Sing Street, like Carney's film Once, was adapted for stage as a musical, also called Sing Street. The screenplay was adapted by Enda Walsh (who also wrote the book for the musical Once) and the production was directed by Rebecca Taichman. The show premiered at New York Theatre Workshop on 16 December 2019 after extensive workshops.[50] The musical was set to premiere at the Lyceum Theatre in previews on 26 March 2020 and officially on 19 April.[51] but it suspended its production due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, a cast recording featuring the original Broadway cast was released on 22 April 2020.[52]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sing Street

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sing Street is a 2016 Irish coming-of-age musical comedy-drama film written and directed by John Carney. Set against the backdrop of during an economic recession, the story centers on 14-year-old Conor Lawlor (), who transfers to a rough inner-city school and starts a rock band with his classmates to impress aspiring model Raphina () while navigating family tensions from his parents' marital strife and financial woes. The film features original songs blending pop influences like and , reflecting Carney's semi-autobiographical experiences. The cast includes as Conor's father, as his mother, and as his older brother, with supporting roles by , , and Ben Carolan as band members. Produced by Anthony Bregman, Peter Cronin, and Carney, it premiered at the on January 24, 2016, before a limited U.S. theatrical release on April 15, 2016, and wider international distribution. Critically acclaimed for its heartfelt , energetic , and authentic portrayal of and music's transformative power, Sing Street holds a 95% approval rating from 216 critics on , with the consensus praising its "huge heart and irresistible optimism." It earned a 7.9/10 average rating on from over 106,000 users and grossed $13.6 million worldwide on a $4 million budget. The film received 16 awards and 45 nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. In 2019, Sing Street was adapted into a stage musical with book by and songs by Carney and Gary Clark, premiering at before a planned Broadway transfer that was postponed due to the ; productions have continued in subsequent years, including a UK premiere at the Lyric Hammersmith in from July to August 2025.

Overview

Plot

In 1985 Dublin, amid Ireland's economic recession, 15-year-old Conor Lawlor transfers to the strict all-boys due to his family's financial struggles, marking the beginning of his challenging adolescence. At home, Conor's parents, and , face mounting tensions from Robert's failing business and Penny's affair with her boss, culminating in their decision to separate, which leaves Conor grappling with emotional turmoil and a sense of instability. The family's hardship reflects broader economic pressures , where and force many to confront difficult choices, underscoring themes of and resilience. At Synge Street, Conor endures bullying from the aggressive student Barry, who extorts money and physically intimidates him, while the authoritarian principal enforces harsh rules, amplifying Conor's isolation. Spotting Raphina, a poised aspiring model across the street who dreams of escaping to London from her abusive home life, Conor boldly approaches her, fabricating a story about being in a band and inviting her to star in their music video to impress her. Motivated by first love and a desire to reinvent himself, Conor turns to his older brother Brendan, a laid-back music enthusiast, for guidance on 1980s pop acts like Duran Duran and The Cure. Brendan encourages Conor to recruit Eamon, a talented but introverted classmate skilled in songwriting and playing guitar and keyboards, whose contributions become central to the band's creative process. With Eamon's help, Conor forms the band Sing Street, drawing in other school misfits including as manager, Ngig on drums, and later members on bass and , fostering a sense of camaraderie amid their shared outsider status. They rehearse in Eamon's garage, composing original songs inspired by videos, which serve as vehicles for Conor's growing confidence and the group's from school and family woes. For their debut video, a cover of "The Riddle" featuring Raphina as the model, the band shoots in an abandoned house, blending amateur enthusiasm with stylistic flair reminiscent of aesthetics. As Conor and Raphina's relationship deepens through dates and shared vulnerabilities—Raphina confiding her modeling ambitions and fears of her stepfather's —the band evolves, producing more videos like the Duran Duran-inspired "Drive It Like You Stole It," filmed precariously on a rowing boat during a rainstorm, symbolizing their adventurous spirit and budding romance. Band dynamics test , with creative clashes and external pressures like Barry's ongoing , but music provides a unifying force, allowing the group to navigate adolescent insecurities. Meanwhile, family strife intensifies as moves out, leaving to mediate between his grieving father and resentful brother, highlighting the intergenerational impact of economic hardship. Raphina's sudden opportunity to model in London forces a painful goodbye, but after a raw confrontation with her abusive ex, she briefly stays with Conor, deepening their bond before departing alone to pursue her dreams. Heartbroken yet inspired, Conor channels his emotions into the band's climactic performance at the school's end-of-year formal dance, debuting "Drive It Like You Stole It" with high energy, marking their triumph and Conor's transformation from timid newcomer to assured frontman. Resolved to follow his love and ambitions, Conor bids farewell to his supportive bandmates and, with Brendan's emotional send-off and financial aid at the harbor, boards a ferry to , arriving to reunite with Raphina in a moment of hopeful reconciliation, as the band's music underscores themes of chasing dreams amid adversity.

Cast

The cast of Sing Street features a predominantly young ensemble, many of whom were making their screen debuts, capturing the film's themes of youthful ambition and discovery in 1980s . Director John Carney prioritized unknown teenage actors for the lead roles to ensure authenticity, with principal performer , aged 15 during filming, portraying the protagonist in his first major role. The principal cast includes:
ActorRoleDescription
Conor "Cosmo" LawlorA 15-year-old aspiring musician who forms a band to impress a girl.
RaphinaAn enigmatic aspiring model and Conor's love interest, aged 21 during filming.
Robert LawlorConor's troubled father.
Penny LawlorConor's supportive but stressed mother.
Ben CarolanDarrenThe band's resourceful manager, a debut role for the young actor.
EamonThe band's keyboardist and Conor's best friend, also in his screen debut at age 19.
Supporting roles are filled by established Irish actors, including as the strict school principal Brother Baxter, who mentors the band despite his authoritarian demeanor, and as Conor's older brother Brendan, a former offering reluctant guidance. portrays Ann, Conor's pragmatic older sister navigating family tensions. This mix of fresh faces and seasoned performers underscores the film's blend of raw energy and emotional depth.

Production

Development

Sing Street originated from a semi-autobiographical story co-written by director John Carney and Simon Carmody, drawing directly from Carney's experiences as a teenager in , where he formed a band with school friends as a means of escape and self-expression amid economic hardship and personal challenges. Carney, who attended Synge Street Christian Brothers , recalled assembling a group of misfits who didn't fit into traditional school activities like sports, using music to navigate , family tensions, and budding romance. This real-life band formation inspired the film's central narrative of protagonist Conor Lawlor starting a group to impress a girl, reflecting Carney's own diary entries and consultations with childhood friends like Eamon Farrel, who even played bass in the movie. The script evolved during 2013 and 2014, with Carney emphasizing themes of music as an escape from familial and societal pressures in a coming-of-age musical format. Initial concepts focused on the transformative power of pop music and video culture in mid-1980s Ireland, capturing the era's slang, optimism, and rebellion against conservative norms. By August 2014, the shooting script was finalized, leading to The Weinstein Company acquiring North American distribution rights in May 2014 for $3 million. Financed as a low-budget independent production with approximately $4 million, the project benefited from Carney's established track record following the critical and commercial successes of Once (2007) and Begin Again (2013), which showcased his signature blend of music and intimate storytelling. Producers Anthony Bregman and Martina Niland, along with , supported the venture, allowing Carney to return to for an authentic, personal shoot. Key decisions included setting the story specifically in 1985 to evoke the economic struggles and cultural shifts of the time, when Ireland's youth turned to imported British and American pop for inspiration. Carney opted to integrate real 1980s covers—such as tracks by and —alongside original songs composed by himself and Gary Clark, mirroring the band's progression from imitation to creativity and underscoring music's role in personal growth.

Casting

Director John Carney conducted open auditions in city centre for unknown actors to portray the lead character , aiming to capture authentic youthful energy without the influence of professional training. , a 14-year-old with no prior acting experience but a background in music, was selected after queuing for the open call and impressing during his singing audition, which highlighted his natural vocal talent essential for the role. For the female lead Raphina, Carney cast British actress following a self-tape submission, praising her ethereal appearance that aligned with the character's enigmatic, aspirational quality; Boynton adjusted her look and worked on an Irish accent based on Carney's feedback to better fit the vision. The ensemble casting focused on recruiting schoolboys through similar open calls to ensure realism in depicting 1980s youth, with many selected as non-professionals lacking experience, which posed directorial challenges but yielded unpolished, genuine performances free from "bad habits" often ingrained in trained child actors. To anchor the young cast, Carney brought in seasoned Irish performers and for the parental roles, leveraging their expertise to guide the production. Auditions incorporated tests and instrument demonstrations to evaluate musical aptitude, leading to the choice of actual musicians for the band members to authentically portray the group's formation and performances. This approach emphasized Irish talent overall to authentically evoke the film's local cultural flavor.

Filming

Principal photography for Sing Street commenced in , , in September 2014 and spanned 28 days, capturing the film's coming-of-age narrative in authentic urban and suburban settings. The production team selected key locations to evoke the period, including the historic Synge Street Christian Brothers School as the central educational site, the bustling Dublin docks at Harbour for waterfront scenes, and quiet suburban homes on streets like Harcourt Terrace to depict family life. Period accuracy was prioritized through the use of -era props, such as vintage clothing, cars, and music equipment, sourced to immerse viewers in the era's aesthetic without relying on extensive digital enhancements. Filming presented unique challenges due to the young cast, many of whom were teenagers required to balance shoots with school obligations, leading to tightly coordinated schedules that limited daily shooting hours. Unpredictable Irish weather, including frequent rain and overcast skies, complicated outdoor sequences and necessitated flexible contingency plans to maintain momentum. Director John Carney's improvisational approach encouraged the actors to ad-lib dialogue and interactions, fostering natural performances but requiring on-set adaptability from the crew. Cinematographer Yaron Orbach employed techniques to convey the raw, energetic spirit of youth, allowing for dynamic, intimate shots that followed the characters' movements through Dublin's streets and corridors. were kept minimal, emphasizing practical filming to preserve the story's heartfelt, unpolished realism.

Music

Original score and songs

The original score and songs for Sing Street were primarily composed by Scottish musician Gary Clark, frontman of the band Danny Wilson, in collaboration with director John Carney. They co-wrote seven original songs performed by the fictional teenage band, designed to mirror the group's development from novice musicians mimicking pop idols to confident creators of their own material. Key examples include "Drive It Like You Stole It," a high-energy rock anthem that closes the film and earned a Critics' Choice nomination for Best Original Song, and "The Riddle of the Model," an early track inspired by the band's initial attempts at songwriting to impress a love interest. Other originals, such as "Up," "A Beautiful Sea," "Brown Shoes," "To Find You," and "Girls," progressively incorporate more ambitious arrangements, evolving from straightforward verses to layered instrumentation that highlights the characters' emotional and technical growth. The compositions drew from the new wave and synth-pop sounds dominant in 1985 Dublin, blending synthesizers, driving rhythms, and romantic lyrics to evoke the era's MTV-fueled optimism while advancing the narrative of youthful rebellion and self-discovery. Clark and Carney's songwriting process was rapid and collaborative, often starting with Carney sharing story beats and Clark generating demos that captured the raw enthusiasm of teenage experimentation. Contributions from band members Ken and Carl Papenfus, along with Graham Henderson, added to select tracks like "A Beautiful Sea," ensuring the music felt authentically band-generated. In addition to originals, the score features cast performances of adapted 1980s covers in diegetic band scenes, reinterpreting hits like ' "Maneater" and The Cure's "" to show the group's starting point as cover artists before transitioning to originals. The young actors, many of whom learned their instruments during production, rehearsed collectively to foster band chemistry, performing live on set with subsequent overdubs to refine the sound while preserving a live, unpolished feel. This approach emphasized thematic progression, with early covers reflecting imitation and later originals symbolizing independence.

Soundtrack

The official soundtrack album for Sing Street, titled Sing Street (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), was released in the United States on April 15, 2016, by , following a digital release overseas on March 18, 2016. The compilation features 17 tracks, combining original songs composed for the film by Gary Clark and John Carney with period-appropriate covers and hits that appear in key scenes (note: some regional editions vary slightly in order). The album peaked at #14 on the Soundtracks chart in 2016. The album opens with a dialogue clip from the film and includes originals performed by the fictional band Sing Street, such as "The Riddle of the Model" and "Drive It Like You Stole It," alongside classics like 's "Rio" and 's "Stay Clean." It closes with "Go Now" by . The track listing is as follows:
  1. "Rock N Roll Is A Risk (Dialogue)" –
  2. "Stay Clean" –
  3. "The Riddle of the Model" – Sing Street
  4. "Rio" –
  5. "Up" – Sing Street
  6. "To Find You" – Sing Street
  7. "Town Called Malice" –
  8. "In Between Days" –
  9. "A Beautiful Sea" – Sing Street
  10. "Maneater" –
  11. "Steppin' Out" – Joe Jackson
  12. "Drive It Like You Stole It" – Sing Street
  13. "Up (Bedroom Mix)" – Sing Street
  14. "Pop Muzik" – M
  15. "Girls" – Sing Street
  16. "Brown Shoes" – Sing Street
  17. "Go Now" –
The soundtrack was mixed by Ciaran Bradshaw, , and Kieran Lynch, with mastering by Nick Watson. Select editions, including certain vinyl and releases, feature a bonus track: "Up (Bedroom Mix)" by Sing Street, bringing the total to 18 tracks in those versions.

Release

Theatrical release

Sing Street had its world premiere at the on January 24, 2016, where it received a and strong critical praise for its blend of music and coming-of-age storytelling. The film's European premiere followed at the International Film Festival on February 18, 2016, opening the event with director John Carney and cast members including and in attendance. It was released theatrically in Ireland and the on March 18, 2016. In the United States, Sing Street received a on April 15, 2016, distributed by , which had acquired the North American rights in a $3 million deal announced at the prior to production. The distribution strategy began with a platform release in select theaters to cultivate word-of-mouth momentum before expanding wider, capitalizing on the film's festival acclaim. The of America rated it PG-13 for including strong language and some behavior, a suggestive image, drug material, and teen smoking. The international rollout continued throughout 2016, with releases in markets such as on May 26 and on October 26, broadening its reach across and beyond. Marketing efforts highlighted the film's original songs inspired by 1980s new wave acts and its themes of youthful self-discovery and romance, positioning it as an uplifting musical for teen audiences. Promotional trailers prominently featured key tracks like "Drive It Like You Stole It" to evoke the era's vibe, while Sundance buzz amplified interest leading into the commercial launch.

Home media

The home media release of Sing Street began in the United States with digital availability on starting July 12, 2016, followed by broader digital HD and (VOD) options on July 19, 2016. The physical DVD and Blu-ray editions were distributed by on July 26, 2016, and included special features such as the behind-the-scenes documentary Making Sing Street, an interview with writer/director John Carney and producer , several music videos from the film's soundtrack, and deleted scenes. Following The Weinstein Company's in 2018, home media rights transitioned to subsequent distributors. Streaming rights for Sing Street were acquired by , where it became available starting November 9, 2016, and remained on the platform until its removal on May 9, 2018, before returning on January 1, 2023. As of November 2025, it remains available on . Subsequent availability has included (as of 2020) and (as of 2021), alongside ongoing rental and purchase options on platforms like Apple TV and at Home. Internationally, the film saw region-specific releases, such as the Blu-ray edition on August 8, 2016, by Lionsgate Home Entertainment, featuring English audio with subtitles in multiple languages including French and Spanish. In , a Blu-ray + Digital combo pack was released concurrently with the U.S. version, while South Korea's Blu-ray arrived on November 17, 2016. Limited collector's editions, such as steelbook sets bundling the Blu-ray with CD, were offered in markets like .

Reception

Box office

Sing Street had a production budget of $4 million. The film earned $3,237,118 in the United States and , along with $10,387,404 from international markets, for a worldwide total of $13,624,522. In , it opened in limited release on April 15, 2016, grossing $63,573 from five theaters over its debut weekend, averaging $12,715 per screen. The release expanded to a maximum of 525 theaters and ran for an average of 3.7 weeks per engagement. Internationally, the film saw its strongest performance in Ireland and the , where it debuted to positive results following festival screenings at Sundance and that built audience momentum for wider distribution. As an independent production, Sing Street was viewed as a commercial success, more than tripling its budget at the and recouping costs through robust international theatrical sales and ancillary revenue streams.

Critical response

Sing Street received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. On , the film holds a 95% approval rating from 216 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10. On , it earned a weighted average score of 79 out of 100 based on 38 critics, signifying "generally favorable" reviews. Critics frequently praised the film as "joyful" and "heartwarming," highlighting director John Carney's skillful blend of humor, music, and coming-of-age themes. For instance, of awarded it five stars, describing it as a " Commitments-style school of rock" that ends "much too soon," evoking the infectious energy of Carney's earlier work like Once. Similarly, in lauded its "up-tempo and sentimental" tone, noting that the nostalgia for 1980s rarely feels cloying while authentically capturing Irish family dynamics and youthful rebellion. Much of the acclaim centered on Carney's direction, the original songs, and the young cast's authenticity. Reviewers commended Carney for recapturing the magic of Once through vibrant storytelling and seamless integration of music as a vehicle for emotional growth and escapism. The soundtrack, featuring original tracks inspired by 1980s pop icons like The Cure and Duran Duran, was celebrated for its catchy, period-evoking quality that propels the narrative without overpowering it. The debut performances of leads Ferdia Walsh-Peelo and Lucy Boynton were highlighted for their natural charm, bringing genuine vulnerability to themes of first love, identity, and 1980s nostalgia amid Ireland's economic struggles. Sheila O'Malley of RogerEbert.com called it "hilarious" yet "full of heart," emphasizing how the ensemble's chemistry elevates the film's exploration of dreams versus reality. While predominantly positive, some critics pointed to minor flaws, such as a predictable plot and uneven pacing in its lighter moments. For example, a review in Baltimore Magazine described it as "shaggy" and "uneven" despite its overall endearment, suggesting the formulaic romance occasionally undercuts the deeper Irish identity themes. These criticisms were rare, with only one mixed score among Metacritic's reviews, from Slant Magazine, which found it overly eager to please but still crowd-pleasing. Audience reception mirrored the critical consensus, with a 92% score on from over 10,000 ratings, reflecting its appeal as an uplifting musical. The film has since cultivated a , particularly for its and nostalgic portrayal of , sustaining its popularity through streaming and repeat viewings long after its theatrical run. This positive buzz contributed to its performance, grossing over $13 million worldwide on a $4 million budget.

Accolades

Sing Street received recognition from various awards bodies, particularly for its direction, performances, and musical elements, reflecting its appeal as a coming-of-age musical. The film earned a nomination at the for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. At the 2016 Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA), it secured one win and multiple nominations across key categories. Additionally, it garnered festival honors, including audience and critics' awards. The film's soundtrack and original songs also received attention, with tracks like "Drive It Like You Stole It" earning nominations for Best Original Song from critics' groups, though no Grammy nods materialized despite consideration for eligibility.
YearAwardCategoryRecipientResultSource
2016Golden Globe AwardsBest Motion Picture – Musical or ComedySing StreetNominated
2016Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA)Best Actor in a Supporting Role – FilmJack ReynorWon
2016Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA)Best Film – Film & DramaSing StreetNominated
2016Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA)Best Director – FilmJohn CarneyNominated
2016Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA)Best Original MusicGary Clark, John CarneyNominated
2016Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA)Best Script – FilmJohn CarneyNominated
2016Nashville Film FestivalSouthwest Airlines Audience Award (Special Presentations)John Carney (for Sing Street)Won

Adaptations

Stage musical

The stage adaptation of Sing Street was announced on April 29, 2019, by director John Carney in collaboration with the creative team behind the Tony Award-winning musical Once, including book writer Enda Walsh. The musical features a book by Walsh, with music and lyrics by Gary Clark and Carney, drawing from the 2016 film's original score while incorporating new wave-inspired original songs to capture the 1980s Dublin setting. Following extensive workshops in 2018 and 2019, the production premiered Off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop on December 16, 2019, directed by Rebecca Taichman, and ran through January 26, 2020, after sold-out previews. A planned Broadway transfer to the Lyceum Theatre, scheduled to begin previews on March 26, 2020, was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The musical received a revised staging at the Huntington Theatre Company in from August 26 to October 9, 2022, preserving the core creative elements while refining the ensemble-driven narrative of teenage friendship, first love, and music as escape. For its premiere, produced by and presented at the Lyric Hammersmith in from July 8 to August 23, 2025—a limited run of approximately 45 performances—the production retained Taichman's direction and featured an expanded score of over 15 songs, including the new track "Outside" with music and lyrics by . The cast was led by Sheridan Townsley as Conor Lawlor, Grace Collender as Raphina, and Jesse Nyakudya as Eamon, supported by a youthful ensemble portraying the film's bandmates and family. Set design by Bob Crowley evoked through modular scaffolding, projected visuals of the city's streets, and era-specific costumes blending school uniforms with punk influences, emphasizing the story's themes of rebellion and aspiration. The UK production garnered positive reception for its infectious energy and heartfelt adaptation of the film's coming-of-age spirit, with The Guardian praising the "uplifting songs and strong voices" that capture the era's musical thrill, awarding it four out of five stars. Time Out highlighted its "deeply likeable" charm and globe-conquering potential, while The Upcoming noted the "joy, heart, and infectious tunes" in a review that underscored the show's emotional resonance. The run achieved strong box office performance, selling out multiple weeks and sparking discussions of a potential West End transfer, though no Broadway production has materialized as of late 2025.

Potential future adaptations

In 2023 interviews promoting his film Flora and Son, director John Carney revealed that he had considered developing a sequel to Sing Street that would explore the future of the band's members after their departure from Dublin, but ultimately decided against it to prioritize original stories. Carney expressed a preference for creating new content rather than revisiting established characters, stating that while fans' enduring interest in the film tempted him, he aimed to "see new things in the world" through fresh projects. These discussions, including a Q&A where he speculated on the protagonists Conor and Raphina's potential life in London, remained informal and unconfirmed as of late 2023, with no further developments announced by November 2025. Carney's focus has since shifted to subsequent works, such as the 2023 music drama , which explores similar themes of personal growth through music but in a contemporary single-parent context, signaling his ongoing evolution away from Sing Street's narrative. No formal plans for additional adaptations, including TV series, animated versions, or expanded media extensions, have been publicly confirmed beyond the stage musical's 2025 London production. The film's legacy persists through informal cultural uses, such as its inclusion in educational study guides for discussing music and in classes since 2017, though these do not constitute official programs or tie-ins. Similarly, Sing Street has appeared in occasional revival screenings and discussions at venues like The Music Hall, highlighting its nostalgic appeal without leading to structured adaptations.

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