From its official debut on July 2nd, 1996, in Dublin, Ireland, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance has enchanted more than 60 million people worldwide.
And on Tuesday evening a packed Hull New Theatre added to that figure when Lord of the Dance: A Lifetime of Standing Ovations came to town.
It was a thrill for me to review the 25th anniversary of Lord of the Dance, back in 2022 – a production I was “astounded” and “mesmerised” by.
Would Flatley’s revival have the same effect on me in 2024?
The answer is yes, with the prefix “more” added.
As in 2022, the show opens and closes with on-screen performances from Flatley, who is still definitely the Lord of the Dance.
The huge video screen played a very important role throughout, with fantastic scenes of forest fires, flower-filled meadows full of fluttering butterflies, streams, waterfalls, a star-studded universe and so on.
All the images greatly enhanced every scene. Musically, constant rhythmic drumming created a tension of its own, while amazing, and lively, fiddle playing from Helena Gullan and Giada Costenaro Cunningham threatened to send us and the dancers into a frenzy.
Lord of the Dance brings us the age-old battle of good vs evil as dreamed by the golden figure of Little Spirit (Cassidy Ludwig). A glittering presence from start to finish, she truly believes the Lord of the Dance is the embodiment of all the good in the world.
The Lord (Matt Smith) finds himself battling evil in the form of the Dark Lord and his army of warlords.
Of course, this is Flatley’s creation so any battle is undertaken with the fastest footwork known to man. Seeing is believing.
The Lord’s love interest, Saoirse (Tiernagh Canning), has her own battles with Morrighan the Temptress (Olivia Allen), while the wonderful singing voice of Celyn Cartwright, as Erin the Goddess, has a soothing effect on proceedings – her rendition of Carrickfergus being a stand-out moment.
As well as the most spectacular tap-dancing (the thunderous sound of metal on the stage reverberates around the theatre), there are gentler, almost balletic, dances, which lull us into a sense of calm. Then, wham, the Dark Lord and his Warlords storm the stage. Leather clad they look menacingly attractive.
Equally easy on the eye are the Lord’s shirtless followers. The two sides in battle are an arresting sight.
This classy production has perfection running through it like in a stick of Blackpool rock.
Beautiful costumes are changed regularly, as is the tempo. But what doesn’t change is the quality of the dancing.
Smith, as the Lord, as well as being fantastically fleet of foot with his unbelievable tap-dancing, is a showman, playing to the audience, looking as if he is enjoying every second.
Canning and Allen, not only look wonderful, but are equally fleet of foot in their opposing good vs evil characters.
Ludwig’s Little Spirit adds a bright glow to proceedings, even in her moments of terror (no spoiler here).
The talented, tap-dancing Dark Lord, being masked, remains an unknown entity to me – but the fabulous, glossy programme mentions Zoltan Papp, Connor Smyth and Alasdair Spencer as possibles.
There aren’t any superlatives that would do all the performers justice. Even viewed in slow motion their tap-dancing would be speedy.
Lord of the Dance: A Lifetime of Standing Ovations received several more on Tuesday evening to add its tally. It is sure to be wowing audiences for many more lifetimes.
Running until Thursday, July 25th, 2024; 7.45pm nightly with 2.30pm matinee on Thursday, 25th. Tickets cost from £30. Call (01482) 300306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk
Reviewer: Jackie Foottit
Reviewed: 23rd July 2024
North West End UK Rating: