REVIEW: IRELAND’S CALL

BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE

Developed from the popular long-running show Essence of Ireland, this is a brand new production playing a three month UK tour.

Unlike other Irish shows – Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Spirit of the Dance – with their focus on brilliant Irish dance numbers but flimsy storylines, this thought-provoking and moving new production focuses on the story of emigration, powerful mixed emotions, and the eternal call of home.

The aching dilemma of Irish emigration, to America to escape famine, to English cities to rebuild war damage, is all laced with the guilt of leaving home and family.

Choreography, costumes and dancing are superb, particularly the darkly thrilling NYPD Passing Out number.

The opening scene New Ross, County Wexford set in an Irish rural youth club, shows the teenage boys learning boxing, the girls learning the Gaelic language, both coming together in chaste Irish dancing under the careful gaze of the parish priest.

Musical numbers range from the traditional Sweet Molly Malone, Black Velvet Band and Wild Rover to the intensely moving When New York Was Irish and the poignant show-stopper As Only A Woman’s Heart.

This brand new production may need a little pruning and polishing, and could do with a full live band, but the atmospheric overhead projections and the compelling storytelling augur well for success in the Irish show genre.

Ireland’s Call plays Basingstoke’s Anvil Theatre on April 6 and Portsmouth’s Kings Theatre on April 13.

Brendan McCusker