Michael Flatley’s Lord Of The Dance at Aylesbury Waterside 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 I went to see Michael Flatley’s Lord Of The Dance at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. I am of an age where I remember the furore around the original Riverdance and Michael Flatley’s quest to make Irish dancing sexy and interesting to the masses but it was never something I felt compelled to go and see. Now I’m asking myself why???

I need to be clear from the off – I have absolutely no idea what was going on! I know from having read the brief synopsis in the programme that it was good versus evil and I could make that much out, but to be honest I don’t care. I think the story was just put in there for the sake of it. I was just so immersed into everything else that was going on.

The energy in the theatre throughout was something I haven’t experienced before. It was loud, it was bright and the smiles that were painted on the dancers’ faces throughout the whole show were just infectious. It was like the audience had been put into a trance. A few times I noticed that my leg was tapping involuntarily or my fingers were drumming away. From the noise, applause and cheers from those around me – men, woman and children alike – it was clear everybody felt the same.

The set was breath taking but simple. The back curtain was basically a huge screen and raised platform playing 3D videos and projections that drew the dancers into the scene. Add in dramatic lighting and dry ice and I was convinced as the dancers descended the stairs from the platform onto the stage, that they were emerging from the film. Incredible!

The show started and ended with film footage from Michael Flatley and the history of Lord Of The Dance. You could argue that it was a little self-indulgent, but the guy has created a billion pound brand from Irish dancing so I think we can let him off!! It really created suspense and drama so when the show started we were all chomping at the bit to see what we were going to get!!

And now to talk about the dancing! Wow!!! Obviously, that was what the show was all about. So many questions but in a nutshell, how do they do it?? The energy and precision is just mind-blowing. Nobody missed a step or a beat and the footwork and choreography was like poetry in motion. The show was created by adding fabulous, flamboyant costumes and incredible staging, but strip all that away and the skill demonstrated by those dancers is what really takes your breath away. I was worn out just watching them! And I cannot finish this review without mentioning the violinists. Two girls in jaw dropping dresses, smiles plastered on their faces, playing the violins and skipping across the stage, up and down the stairs, in what must have been 5 inch stilettos. That is an achievement in itself!

I could talk about the show for hours but none of it would do it justice. It literally has to be seen to be believed. There is a reason it is so successful and huge credit to them because I can’t put my finger on what it is. It is, in a word phenomenal!

Rating: 5/5

Lord of the Dance is at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre until Thursday 17th October.

Tickets available from £27.70subject to a transaction fee of £3.95

For more information and to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com.