Michael Flatley’s Lord Of The Dance

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Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance is currently thrilling audiences at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, but you’d better hurry as it’s only playing for one weekend until it moves onto its next destination, running until Sunday 8th September.

I’d not seen the production before, and it wouldn’t usually be the kind of thing that I’d go to see. My wife used to watch the original production on DVD repeatedly with her late Nana Katy who absolutely loved it, and having not seen it live, she was especially looking forward to it.

This iconic production, created by the legendary Michael Flatley, has captivated over 60 million people across 60 countries since its debut in 1996. The current tour is part of a 2024 UK revival, following the show's 25th-anniversary celebrations in 2022. Featuring a blend of new choreography, updated costumes, cutting-edge lighting and special effects, this tour promises to be as spectacular as ever, making the popular show relevant once again.

The plot follows the titular Lord of the Dance leading his forces into a battle between good and evil, which is something any of us can get behind. The story unfolds through a fusion of Irish tap dancing, contemporary dance, and stunning visuals, all set to a powerful score written by composer Ronan Hardiman. While the story is simple and easy to follow, it's the high-octane performances, technical precision, and the sheer spectacle of it all that truly captivates the audience. The show's long-enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal, combining traditional Irish dance with modern stagecraft. There is quite literally something for everyone in this show.

The dancers are incredible, Giada & Helena gave it a truly Irish feel with their incredible performance on the fiddles, and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Celyn wowed the crowd with her incredible voice. Although my wife Kerry was stunned that there was singing in the show as she never noticed it whilst watching it all those years ago with her Nan. But it suddenly dawned on her during the show that her Nan was only there for the dancing and always fast-forwarded the parts with the vocals, which gave us a little giggle.

The audience loved everything about it judging by the reactions throughout the performance and especially for the amazing finale. Fans of the original production will appreciate the nostalgic elements as everything it’s been known and loved for over the years is all still there! But the modern feel and vibrant energy will also dazzle you, whether you’re new to the show like I was or you’ve enjoyed it for years.

Having watched old clips and spoken to different people about it, it’s clear that Lord of the Dance has always been a groundbreaking and mesmerizing production, leaving audiences spellbound wherever it goes, and I would say that this latest production carries the torch perfectly. It breaks all new ground and whether you're drawn in by the story, the dance, the music or the sheer spectacle, it's a performance worth catching whether it seems like “your thing” or not. I promise you that you won’t be disappointed.

Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Lord of the Dance is playing at the Regent Theatre NOW, up until and including Sunday 8th September. Tickets are on sale and are available by calling the Regent Theatre Box Office on 0844 871 7649. 

You can also visit www.atgtickets.com/stoke for tickets and info.