Riverdance

Apologies for the quality of the photo, but we had been warned off taking them before the show and the stewards were quick to pounce if they saw a mobile screen light up. Basically, I had to wait until the steward was distracted, turn on the camera whilst it was hidden under my jacket and then quickly bring it out, zoom in and press the button several times in quick succession in the hope that something would be in focus. I did manage to grab a couple of shots of all the dancers in action, but they really were too blurred to consider posting here. So instead we have the only other one that turned out, which is of the two principal dancers taking their bows. For those who remember the original, the principals were the incredible Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, both Irish dance champions. I think they now have a pool of “lead” dancers to draw upon for the shows, and these two were certainly excellent throughout.
There was a slight disappointment at the beginning, when it was announced the solo flamenco dancer could not perform, but that soon passed, to be replaced by absolute joy and amazement as the show unfolded. Mainly Irish dancing, but there were also tap and Russian sections along the way, all linked by haunting Celtic songs and music.
We sat absolutely spellbound through both halves and there was a well deserved standing ovation at the end.
The theatre was packed - in fact I have a feeling that I couldn’t get tickets when the show was first announced and it was only after it had been rescheduled that I had an email during last November’s lockdown saying that tickets were available again. Presumably as a result of people cancelling and returning their tickets if they couldn’t make the rescheduled date. I hope those people found an alternative show to attend, as it was definitely one of the best evenings in a theatre I have had for a long time.