Magical, exciting, and fiery – Lord of the Dance opened at Hull New Theatre this evening, and I was thrilled to be invited to witness the show.
Devised by the legendary Michael Flatley, the performance paid tribute to him at both the beginning and end, which was greatly appreciated by the almost full house. It’s hard to believe that the show is now in its 25th year and still as fresh and delightful as it was at its inception.
An extravaganza of Irish dance, music, and song, the theatre was alive with beautiful melodies and harmonies from the singers and fiddle players. The dynamic backdrop, which changed with every dance and song, told the enchanting story of a sprite, inspiring dancers across the world – until The Dark Lord’s underworld warriors attempted to thwart her by breaking her precious penny whistle.
The narrative unfolded with her rescue, the repair of her whistle, and the ultimate battle of good versus evil, culminating in a dance-off between the Lord of the Dance and the Dark Lord. The intricate sounds and beats, accompanied by powerful kicks, built up the tension as the fight progressed. Naturally, our hero emerged victorious.
The dancers didn’t miss a beat all night. Their rhythms were flawless, and the cast had the audience eating out of their hands from start to finish. From the soft-soled Irish dances to the hard shoes with taps on the toes and heels, this show is a feast for both the eyes and ears; it’s a spectacular vision of sparkle and masculinity that should not be missed.
The energy in the theatre was palpable, with every performer bringing their A-game to the stage. The choreography was both intricate and powerful, showcasing the dancers’ incredible skill and stamina, and the lighting and special effects added an extra layer of magic to the performance, making every scene feel larger than life. The costume designs were also stunning, with traditional Irish attire blending seamlessly with more modern, glitzy outfits.
The blend of storytelling, music, and dance creates a captivating atmosphere that transports the audience to another world. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Irish dance or new to the genre, Lord of the Dance offers something for everyone.
You will need to be quick though, as this spectacular finale to the theatre’s very successful year is only in Hull for three days! Don’t miss it – it’s lively and uplifting, and you’ll leave the theatre jigging along and humming the beautiful melodies.
The show is running until Thursday 25th July, and you can find tickets here.
