Last night we went to see Riverdance at the Royal theatre in Castlebar. We’ve never seen the live show before although we have the original video which the kids used to watch all the time when they were little.
We got there early so got our seats. It was a shame that not everyone got their on time. As there were people coming in during the performance and disturbing others. There was a fella sitting near us who seemed to think he was in the show. He was buck-lepping all over the place, every time he moved the whole row of seats moved as well.
The show was good. Although I really feel there was something missing. To me it was like a ‘watered down’ version. There were only four musicians yet we could hear a full orchestra. Only one of the singers had a radio mic on so the others must have been miming. I know they couldn’t have a full orchestra due to the size of the stage but you would think the singers would sing otherwise you may as well just watch the dvd.
The dancers were good. Especially the street tap dancers, they put so much effort and energy into their perfomance. The drummer was brilliant, he was flying about all over the place like the drummer from The Muppets!
The lead dancers were fine but it just seemed to lack spark. Dare I say it I miss Michael Flatley.
I know we are probably in the minority as I heard lots of people raving about the show afterwards. Although some people said nothing.
Would I go and see it again? No I wouldn’t. I feel like it’s run it’s course.
There was no filming or photos allowed so here’s a bit of video from youtube. These weren’t the dancers that we saw.
Magnumlady Blog 
Yep, we’ve got the original video as well and I think Michael Flatley has a ‘huge’ presence (although I would deny ever saying this!)
It amazes me how they get their legs to move the way they do!
I agree Michelle. Michael does have a huge presence. Some of the other lead dancers in the past have been really good too.
So sorry to hear that you were disaappointed with the show. This often happens to me – you build it up in your mind that its going to be something fantastic and you feel let down. But you have been and you can say that you have seen it.
Thanks Sheila, you’ve got it exactly right.
so agree! saw it there two years ago (had only seen it at radio city –so a lot to live up to I know) but still– it seemed very small (and over). k
What a shame you were disappointed. It is maybe a mistake to try to downsize a spectacular show like this.
I have seen it twice – both times at the Hammersmith Apollo, where the venue enabled us to enjoy the full works. Both times were post Michael Flatley but the lead dancers were excellent.
Hi Val,
Like you probably, I’d seen a video of Flatley on stage and it was spectacular so we went to see a mini version at the Hull New Theatre and it was… okay, the trouble is you can’t recreate the atmosphere in provincial theatres of this kind of event I guess. I agree, it’s had its time – they need to come up with something different and innovative.
XX
Yes that’s the problem, they can’t recreate the atmosphere. I’d say if I saw the show in the O2 in Dublin it would have been a lot better. x
Thinking of you today, Val
Hope Jono’s check-up went well and that you and Jono are now dancing home again!
Fingers X’d!
Thanks for thinking of us Steph xx