Lord of the Dance, the world’s most successful dance show of all time, is on its 30th anniversary UK tour, which brought it to Sunderland Empire this week. The opening night on Wednesday evening quickly proved that phenomenal Irish dancing is all that is needed to overcome a midweek slump.
A Spectacular Opening Night
The production, which made its debut in 1996, still has parts that feel very 90s, but that is no bad thing. It carries a real nostalgic feel, a throwback to simpler times and a more care-free era, while also having an undeniable quality that is timeless and, perhaps, a rather unexpected real sexiness to it in certain moments.
The 30th anniversary cast were icons all of their own, with scintillating star turns that made the show utterly mesmerizing from start to finish. The musicality of them all and the finesse of every single step leaves you in awe and your jaw on the floor.
Cast Highlights
Led by the tremendous Lucas Lawton as the Lord, the opening night company in Sunderland were nothing short of superb. As the villain of the piece, Joe Howarth commanded every inch of gaze every time he was on stage. Katie Coates was sublime as Saoirse, and Erin McPolin brought a real air of mystery and sensuality as Morrighan. Almost ever present on stage as the Spirit, Evia Hayter brought a real playful presence to proceedings and made every move ooze absolute class.
The cast also includes fine vocalist Cleo Griffin and musicians Ioana Ritchie and Aisling Parslow. The show’s opening moments were heightened by the sound of Nadine Coyle’s instantly recognisable vocals, though there was no in-person cameo from the music icon.
Audience Reaction and Run Details
Thirty years on from its first foray into the spotlight, Lord of the Dance is still getting audiences on their feet every single night. As audience members were making their way out of the auditorium on Wednesday, one was heard saying: “Even if you don't like dance, there’s no way you couldn’t be impressed by that.”
Lord of the Dance is THAT good, and if you can get a ticket before it ends its limited Sunderland run on Saturday night, grab it with both hands.
