Riverdance 20 Anniversary Tour at the New Theatre Oxford Review
Riverdance
20th Anniversary Tour
New Theatre, Oxford
25-30 November 2014
Reviewed by Sallie Greenhalgh
There are not enough superlatives to describe the most amazing show that I have ever seen. “When Riverdance first opened in Dublin, you could hear, even above the pounding feet and the swirling music, the audience gasping for breath.” 20 years later and many miles away the experience was just the same. From the moment the lights went down and the truly atmospheric music began the audience was hooked and the standing ovation the performers received at the end was the best way the audience could show their appreciation.
I had never seen the show before and only associated it with Michael Flatley and the traditional image of hard shoe (tap) Irish dancing from my youth. There was a large component of this, which was stunning, but there was also Irish soft shoe (ballet) dancing, Russian dancing and tap dancing as well as beautiful singing and on stage solo musicians. From one scene to the next you didn’t know what was coming but we were never disappointed. The backdrop was simple but sufficient and did not detract from the performers. Every single performer did a superb job and judging by the smiles on their faces they were thoroughly enjoying it too. There was a small technical hitch with one of the solo vocalist’s microphones during one number but this was quickly addressed and a handheld microphone was discreetly brought onto stage. Technology can fail at any stage but the way it was handled did not intrude on my enjoyment of the performance and the vocalist’s professionalism was evident.
Riverdance is on at the New Theatre in Oxford which is a lovely theatre with attentive and helpful staff – they also had a good drinks deal on! The theatre is close to the station, bus station and car parks so there any many ways to get in and in close proximity are many restaurants and pubs to entertain you before and after the show.
This was possibly the best night at the theatre I have had in years and I will be looking to go again and take my daughter as my only disappointment for the evening was not being able to take her with me. A must see – don’t miss the opportunity.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £31.90 to £64.40 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Riverdance is at the New Theatre Oxford until 30 November 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3020.
New Theatre Oxford, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG | 0844 871 3020
