Lord Of The Dance: 30th Anniversary at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel Randle
Last night we had a welcome break from the current heatwave (and football!) to watch Lord Of The Dance: 30th Anniversary in the cool air conditioning of Milton Keynes Theatre. Michael Flatley, the creator and driving force behind this phenomenal show is celebrating this 30 year milestone with a new UK tour and it’s not to be missed! I am not new to Lord Of The Dance having seen it twice in 2024, but on hearing it was returning, I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to see it again!
I am sure everyone is aware now of the context of Lord Of The Dance. It is the show that put Irish Dancing on the map and became the biggest selling dance show of all time. It does have a story to it, but I’m not going to lie, it’s an odd one. Basically good versus evil, with a pixie and a temptress and a baddie with a group of henchmen. To be honest I am not going to get bogged down with the story because it could be a show about watching paint dry and the utterly awesome dancing would still make it a brilliant show.
Bringing the show alive is a large cast of Irish dancers, two violinists and a solo singer. Their permanently painted smiles and obvious enthusiasm for their craft, as well as their undeniable talent, is infectious. They invited us many times to join in by clapping along – something I was thrilled about because I was already silently doing this and just bursting to do it out loud! The general impression I got from the audience was that everyone was just as invested as me.
The show starts and ends with filming featuring Michael Flatley, the creator of Lord Of The Dance. It sets the scene of how he built this global phenomenon and toward the end treats us to some of his own fancy footwork – the next best thing to him being onstage! The set was enhanced with a mix of projection and lighting throughout which really added to the whole spectacle, however, I’m not going to lie, I spent most of the show looking at the dancer’s feet, in awe of how they produce such quick steps and high kicks. What does draw you in though is the stunning costumes, sequins and beautiful flowing dresses that dazzle in the light. In the words of my 10 year old ‘Everybody looks so pretty’.
What this show gives is two hours of absolute joy and wonder, joy created by the energy generated by the dancers and the music, wonder at just the sheer level of skill up on that stage. You don’t have to be an Irish dancing fan to appreciate this show, I’m not, but I challenge you to go see it and then come out and tell me it hasn’t lifted you, if not just for one evening! This show is for everybody. I went with my 10 year old daughter and she remained transfixed throughout. I look forward to seeing it again for its 40th and 50th anniversary and for many more years to come!
Rating: 5/5
Lord Of The Dance: 30th Anniversary is performing at Milton Keynes Theatre until Sunday 28th July
Tickets from £47.07. For more information and to book visit www.atgtickets.com