REVIEW: LORD OF THE DANCE

BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE

This is the 20th anniversary world tour of this phenomenally successful Irish dance show.

Since its 1996 Dublin premiere, this spectacularly enjoyable show has thrilled audiences globally, because there’s no language problems – it’s visual storytelling, reinforced by stirring evocative music, and world-class Irish dancing.

The show’s been updated with beautiful overhead projections, some stunning special effects including magical holograms, and sensational lighting.

Based on a simple story of Good v Evil, baddy Dorcha the Dark Lord struts around while goody Lord of the Dance leads his people. Add a few Irish songs, a couple of blonde babe violinists, and a flute-warbling Little Spirit.

The narrative’s flimsy, but the show’s core is the absolutely fantastic Irish dancing – the soft-shoe numbers are enchantingly ethereal, the ensemble lines of thundering precise taps are staggeringly impressive.

There’s genuine drama when Dorcha snaps Little Spirit’s flute, his threatening dance thugs surround her, and then duff up goody Lord.

Cue duelling dance shoes, magically repaired flute, rejuvenated Dance Lord, and the happy ending.

Choreography and costumes are superb, sound effects explosive, and backdrops including unicorns, rainbows and lyrical waterfalls so atmospheric.

Unfortunately, unlike other Irish dance shows, there’s no live band and despite the two terrific live fiddle players, it sometimes sounds like polished karaoke.

Nevertheless, this show is memorable because of creative costumes, world-class dancing, and that haunting tune Lord of the Dance.

Plays Bournemouth Pavilion until tomorrow.

Unforgettable!

Brendan McCusker