Michael Flatley

Lord of The Dance – A Lifetime of Standing Ovations

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Reviewed by Christine Leatherbarrow

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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After entertaining more than 60 million fans worldwide in over 60 countries Lord of The Dance returns to Manchester this week with a spectacular revival of their 25th Anniversary show – A Lifetime of Standing Ovations. This Michael Flatley created extravaganza is without doubt one of the most successful and most loved dance productions in history and tonight’s stunning show skilfully proves why.

While Mr Flatley isn’t physically part of the cast for this tour he does make several cleverly crafted appearances on the large screens on stage, much to the delight of the audience. It’s clear for all to see that his trademark choreography and creativity is weaved brilliantly through every part of this production. Partnering once again with composer Gerard Fahy the result is an absolute feast for the eyes and ears from the very moment this dazzling revival begins.

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This tale of good versus evil sees Cassidy Ludwig as the playful Spirit dreaming of a challenge between the Lord, (Matt Smith) and the Dark Lord, (Joseph Howarth). Of course, no story is complete without a little bit of romance and jeopardy as we also see Saoirse (Tiernagh Canning) and Morrighan (Andrea Papp Kren) compete for the Lord’s affections.

The story unfolds through a series of jaw-dropping dance performances, totally transfixing the audience with their almost unfathomable skill and precision. Every member of the cast is top-tier and doesn’t miss a beat.

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Matt Smith makes even the most complex of choreography looks effortless as he commands the stage entirely. He is an incredible showman and whips the already excited audience into an absolute frenzy at multiple points throughout the show. Joseph Howarth is equally as impressive as the Dark Lord, channelling his inner villain to bring a delicious sense of foreboding to proceedings as he thunders across the stage with his henchmen in tow.

Tiernagh Canning is graceful and elegant as Saoirise while Andrea Papp as the seductive Morrighan impresses entirely with both her talent and characterisation. Cassidy Ludwig as Little Spirit guides us brilliantly from scene to scene with her boundless energy.

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The large screens that make up the set are used to great effect transporting us from mystical forests to rugged coastlines while the updated costumes give a modern touch to this classic show.

There are breathtaking dance routines, stunning music, incredible vocals and even a little humour along the way resulting in a truly unforgettable experience. As the show culminates in the most incredible finale the audience whoop with delight while leaping to their feet on more than one occasion. Lord of The Dance – A Lifetime of Standing Ovations is a true celebration of Celtic culture and creativity, an absolute must-see!

Lord of The Dance – A Lifetime of Standing Ovations is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Sunday 18th August, tickets are available here.

Lord of The Dance

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Reviewed by Robyn Molyneux

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Last night I had the pleasure of attending one of Manchester’s most beautiful theatres, the Palace theatre. The architecture is just stunning, and having taken my seats with no pre-conceptions of what I was about to see, I was blown away by the talent shown by the dancers that made up the troupe for this mid-week evening performance; the energy was infectious, and it is clear to see the hard work and dedication that goes into preparing for and delivering each performance.

I wont lie, I’m not sure what I had expected but this felt like a dream you have had when you’ve had too much cheese before bed, the kind of randomness that just sort of works!

In almost equal measure was the cheesiness and fun that the show delivered, with a loose storyline of good triumphing over evil! The show was full of charisma and embodied the famous style of Michael Flatley, cut from the same cloth with light-hearted comedy moments and showcasing the talents of those toes whilst flexing and “blue steel” posing all at once.

Between the main acts of dancers was a solo female singer who although talented, felt like she was drafted in to give the audience a break from the high energy show however, I found a bit out of kilter with the rest of the shows essence. Also, there were two violinists who played beautifully that accompanied the dancers throughout some numbers, maybe they should stick to playing the violin and avoid the awkward dance moves that went with it?

In terms of the difference numbers, my favourite part has to be when a dance off takes place. The slow build of articulate noise that can be created from their tap shoes is amazing, you feel the beat and excitement build in the rhythm as it comes to point.

Overall, the show was great fun and something a little different that everyone should see at some point in their life, full of feel-good vibes and incredible talent!

Lord of the Dance is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Sunday 17th July tickets available here.

Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games

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Since its debut at The Point Theatre in Dublin on 2nd July 1996, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance has mesmerised audiences the world over, from London to Las Vegas public demand for the show renowned for its spectacular showstopping routines has never waned. Now almost 21 years since its official debut, Flatley brings his rejuvenated show Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games to Manchester’s Palace Theatre with local talent James Keegan taking on the lead role of The Lord handpicked no less by the main man himself.

Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is built around a classic good versus evil story, after an introductory projection featuring Flatley and his young son, Michael St. James, we are introduced to our talented cast via the dream of Little Spirit, (Jess Judd). Little Spirit sees the Lord of the Dance as everything good in the world, this purity and honesty is however threatened by the Dark Lord (Zoltan Papp) and his evil army of Dark Disciples, add to this the dark temptation that comes in the form of Morrighan the Seductress (Andrea Kren) who is determined to come between The Lord and his true love, the pure and perfect Saoirse (Caroline Gray).

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The story is a simple one, sometimes a little unclear but let’s be honest we haven’t come here expecting a deep and thought provoking narrative it is without doubt the dancing the draws the crowds year after year and it soon becomes very clear as to why. We are eased in with some exceptional acrobatics from Little Spirit who I’d happily have watched more of, as she introduces us not only to the story but also the running musical theme which we hear throughout the show, Lord of the Dance of course! As we meet the rest of the cast via various routines it is the full traditional ensemble pieces that really grip the audience, the energy and talent on display is mind-blowing, you can’t help but smile whilst watching, it’s an absolute thrill to hear the thundering drum of these lightening quick feet.

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The production is at its most powerful during the battle scenes, Zoltan Papp makes for a deliciously menacing Dark Lord, whipping the audience into a frenzy with his fabulous footwork. The sequence where he along with his Dark Disciples corner Little Spirit (Jess Judd) is performed beautifully, strong and precise with great characterisation, special mention also goes to the battle sequence between The Lord of the Dance (James Keegan), The Dark Lord (Zoltan Papp) and their respective armies, beautifully choreographed and directed by Flatley this scene really packs a punch.

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Paul Normandale’s staging of this production is almost as impressive as the talent on stage, huge flat screens the full width of the Palace’s imposing stage deliver colourful and bold projections, interjected with thrilling and sometimes unexpected pyrotechnics, complimented by stunning lightening design also by Normandale. Christopher Woods’ costume design is impressive, there are all manner of styles on show, with some really beautifully designed pieces, juxtaposed to the traditional is a section where the females are in not much more than bras and knickers while the men also whip their tops off, while this got a few whoops from the audience it seemed a little unnecessary and distracted from the beauty of the performances on stage.

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Special mention must go to musicians Giada Costenaro Cunningham and Nicole Lonergan, their fiddle playing is exceptional, a real highlight sandwiched between the exhilarating dance routines. As well as musical elements the audience are treated to vocals from Erin the Goddess (Sophie Evans) the choice of songs for me fell a little flat, something more upbeat and memorable would have sat better within the production and left more of an impact.

Manchester lad James Keegan really gives his all in the role of The Lord, following in the footsteps of Flatley is no mean feat but Keegan soon has the audience in the palm of his hand as he dances his way across the stage with precision, style and bags of charaisma.

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There is no doubt that Flatley has the magic formula when it comes to entertaining his fans, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is an absolute feast of dance and colour, with jawdropping choreography that will no doubt continue to delight and thrill dance fans for years to come. It’s an impressively entertaining show, bringing joy to young and old alike, hugely deserving of praise and the standing ovation Manchester was only too happy to bestow.

On at the Palace Theatre until Saturday 15th April, tickets available here http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/lord-of-the-dance/palace-theatre-manchester/