Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance (Matt Smith) – Credit: Brian Doherty
Venue: Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Performance Date: 22 April 2022
Reviewer: Jo Neville
Star Rating: ★★★★
25 years ago, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance first exploded onto the stage. Along with his earlier show, Riverdance, it was literally a sensation, revolutionising Irish dancing and bringing it to the fore of popular culture. Since then, the touring productions have become a global phenomenon, seen by over 60 million people and thrilling audiences across the world.
The show opens with footage of Michael Flatley and the original show, reminding the audience of the legacy they are about to be part of – 25 Years of Standing Ovations. But, how to breathe fresh life into such a well-known production, especially one that has been parodied by acts such as Stavros Flatley on Britain’s Got Talent? For this 25th-anniversary tour, Michael Flatley has created new choreography, staging, and costumes with Irish tradition at its core. The show is designed to be a grand spectacle, and it does feel as if Irish music and dancing have been dipped in Disney.
Inspired by folklore and fairy-tale, Lord of the Dance tells a classic story of good versus evil. Little Spirit dreams of the Lord of the Dance, who represents everything good. He must fight and defeat The Dark Lord and his army of warriors. Cutting-edge technology creates a constantly changing 3D backdrop that transports the audience into the narrative. The storyline is simplistic and at times a little weak, but not much more is needed when the dancing is so good.
The dancing. It is truly incredible. Michael Flatley claims, ‘I’ve got the greatest team of dancers in the world’, and it would be very hard to argue. Their skill and precision are outstanding and when the whole cast comes together to dance with absolute synchronicity it is spell-binding. Matt Smith, who reprises Michael Flatley’s role of Lord of the Dance, is a worthy successor. He performs with passion and breathtaking ability. The whole cast radiates wonderful energy and are excellent performers.
Renowned Irish composer, Gerard Fahey’s score is impressive and combines traditional Irish music with contemporary sounds that build the narrative. In the role of Erin the Goddess, Celyn Cartwright performs her songs faultlessly. She has a beautiful voice with an exceptional tone. As it increases in tempo, Giada Costenaro and Aisling Sage’s incredible fiddle-playing really raises the energy in the auditorium.
For this production, the costumes have been updated for a new generation. However, the costumes inspired by tradition definitely complement the dancing more effectively. Some of the contemporary designs veer into beauty pageant territory and jar with the overall production. There is also a hint of Dream Boys in some of the men’s costumes. However, when the men ripped their shirts off, it did get one of the biggest cheers of the night.
Michael Flatley does not perform in person, but in Act 2 he appears on film. Three versions of himself dancing together. In his Barnum-style suit, he is still the greatest showman, and his timing and speed are astounding.
Towards the end of the show, the dancers perform in front of footage of the original production. They are in perfect unison and the reaction is electric. There is a definite feeling of nostalgia for the original, with one audience member commenting she wished she could go back in time and see it again. The impact of the show 25 years ago is a hard act to follow. However, for the young children visiting from an Irish Dance School, there was no nostalgia, just joy. A new generation inspired.
A highly professional, spectacular production featuring incredible dancers. Get yourself a ticket and be part of the next standing ovation.
Runs until 24 April 2022 at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and on tour
