It’s Christmas Eve, snow is falling, and in a traditional Irish pub a group of accomplished musicians are telling stories of times past, of travel and returning home, of family and friends. Between tales, they perform classic Irish folk songs and Christmas pop favourites to which they give an added Irish vibe. From seasonal earworms such as I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, Driving Home For Christmas and All I Want For Christmas Is You, to folk songs and heartfelt ballads, this show is one big, gorgeous hug and an infusion of festive joy to the soul. The audience walk in as strangers and quickly become a group of friends, sharing in the moment and joining in with the songs, transported from the daily challenges of life to an uplifting couple of hours in the company of talented performers.
The musicians, led by Ged Graham (guitar), with Aidan Keane (banjo), Peet Jackson (guitar), Aidan Burke (fiddle), Shane Morgan (drum), and Conor Kenny (banjo) all give excellent renditions of the songs, their strong voices blending well and infusing every song with heart, joy and great energy. There’s also a young barman, Dylan Graham, whose role is to refill the band members’ glasses. The only misstep is a lame running joke which is unnecessary and serves to interrupt the flow of the show while not being particularly funny. Fortunately, this is a minor distraction from the quality of the music which is first-class.
The set is suitably Christmassy with a decorated tree and the sort of knick-knacks that are only brought down from the loft once a year. The backdrop of a large digital image portraying a snowy landscape through the pub window enhances the feeling of a cosy night in down the pub that you never want to leave.
Christmas In Ireland reinforces the fact that music is capable of spreading joy and bringing people together. The Irish magic is real – and this show is absolutely worth experiencing.
Christmas in Ireland was presented at the New Wimbledon Theatre for one night only with the UK tour continuing until 21st December. For other shows on the tour, visit: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/christmas-in-ireland/
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 5th November 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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