Éireann by A Taste of Ireland
The evening opened with a pre-recorded announcement attempting to warm up the audience with a few call-and-response “oohs” and “ahhhs” before the curtain rose. Behind the gauze, we caught glimpses of the dancers stretching, giving a subtle behind-the-scenes moment before the show properly began. When the performance launched with a poem, however, I felt the delivery in verse lacked the melodic musicality one might expect from the Irish lilt, and it did not quite match the energy of what was to follow.
Narratively, the show charts a journey through the history of Ireland, from Celtic times to the modern day. The progression was marked more by costume changes such as capes giving way to braces than by clear shifts in style or technique. Even so, the performers displayed remarkable stamina and skill. The first act was particularly packed with tightly synchronised routines, their precision impeccable; not a single beat was missed. While it might have been more effective to spread these moments across the show, the sheer discipline and unity of the dancers was undeniable.
The show really kicks into gear after the interval. The atmosphere immediately lifts when the boys come on to sing with vocalist Brian O’Broin, which received a few light laughs from the audience. Shortly after, soloist Cian Walsh took centre stage, charming the crowd with playful comic flourishes in his routine that showcased an impressive talent of speed, rhythm, and precision footwork. His ability to balance humour with technical skill created a wonderful connection with the audience and set the tone for the second half.
This sense of energy carried through the evening, amplified by familiar Irish classics such as Molly Malone and Tell Me Ma, which encouraged audience participation and tapped into the celebratory spirit of the show. The female dancers then graced the stage with elegant social dances, their céilí circles flowing seamlessly, while demi-soloists shone in moments of intricate detail and grace. Their timing and composure brought a touch of sophistication to the livelier numbers.
A welcome addition to the evening was the three-piece band, who played between some of the dance numbers. Their musicianship brought warmth and texture to the performance, providing natural pauses between the larger set pieces while still keeping the energy alive in the room. They were skilled, confident, and added an authentic Irish charm that supported the dancers beautifully.
One moment that stood out for its ambition, though not quite its execution, was a sequence where one female dancer partnered with four male performers in a series of lifts and supports. She ended with a trust fall, though the tentative effort of the men somewhat undermined her boldness. The dancer herself showed great strength and commitment, and with stronger lifts and support this could have been a highlight of the evening.
The production experimented with live camera projection, yet this proved more distracting than effective. The black costumes against a black background meant the visuals were often lost, and strong stage lighting washed out much of what was projected. A similar missed opportunity came towards the finale, when the cast staged a scene of fallen bodies. Instead of fading away behing the gauze projection and spotlighted vocalist, the performers remained visible and well lit, shifting awkwardly or being moved one by one. It broke the illusion at what could have been a poignant moment.
A few technical details occasionally pulled focus: from my seat, the reflective glare of fire extinguishers and the metallic kick guard on the fire door caught my eye whenever the door was opened. These distractions aside, what remained clear was the sheer talent and commitment of the performers. Their timing, energy, and ability to blend humour, elegance, and rhythm created an evening that was always engaging, even when the production choices themselves fell short.
It is a testament to the cast’s skill that, despite uneven direction and staging, they consistently delivered striking dance sequences, compelling musical interludes, and moments of charm that kept the audience with them. The inclusion of the live band only enhanced this, grounding the show in the heart of Irish tradition and reminding us how powerful music and dance can be when shared together.
This show was reviewed on the 29th August 2025 at the Peacock Theatre, at Sadler's Wells, London where it runs until the 31st August 2025. Tickets available here: Éireann by A Taste of Ireland - Peacock Theatre - Sadler's Wells
Review written by Valentine Gale-Sides
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Photo credit: Danny With a Camera
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