Having never seen Riverdance other than snippets on the TV, my expectations were a little different from what was delivered last night at Liverpool Empire Theatre on its 20 th Anniversary Tour.
Riverdance
The show has been on stage since 1995, after making its first appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994 and it is evident why it continues to impress audiences around the UK twenty years on.
The show's premise is simple, in act one there is a great bond between people and place and their songs and dances are a way of connecting people further with their surroundings. In act two, war, famine and slavery have broken these bonds and people have to find new ways to live in harmony- by protecting what is most precious to them and embracing a new courage in themselves.
It has been described as original and I totally agree. Although elements can be likened to other shows, it is still a very unique piece of theatre.
With only a screen and four band members on stage, the backdrop was very simple, but once you have seen the show you realise that nothing more is required- just great music and the talent of the dancers- no extravagant props or excessive light shows.
Unlike other shows I have been to, it was a pleasant surprise to see the musicians showcase their individual talents with solos between scenes. David Lombardi could make his fiddle sing, Dave McGauan provided us with some slick Jazz sounds with his saxophone. Matt Bashford played the Uilleann Pipes, Low Whistle and Tin Whistle- his solos were quite simply haunting. Guy Rickarby was a delight to watch as he provided all the background drums and percussion, moving effortlessly between the two.
A previously mentioned, I expected something very different from what was on offer. I thought that the show would consist entirely of Irish music with a line of dancers on stage throughout. In fact we were delighted with a blend of Irish folk, American and Russian inspired music and some tap dancing from Michael Wood and Dewitt Fleming Jr. Their scene was my favourite as they brought humour and a change of pace to the show and the crowd exploded after their routine.
Although the show had the two principal dancers, everyone else was given their moment in the limelight, with groups of the cast shining in different scenes that played on a number of themes.
The costumes were stunning- with delicate glitter and rhinestone embellishments to shimmer in the soft lighting and cool colours for the nature inspired scenes. There were bursts of colour in some of the acts, such as The Countess Cathleen, where we were treat to flashes of her yellow and red gown as she danced for the empowerment of women as they began to challenge men.
Overall this was a marvel of choreography; I was completely consumed by each performance and really enjoyed the wide selection of persuasions from different cultures.
In all honesty, had I not been given the opportunity to see this for review, I might not have bought a ticket because I had already made my assumptions about what it would deliver. If you are of the same thought process- then abandon all those preconceptions as this is an experience you will treasure for the rest of your days.
Tagged in Liverpool Empire Theatre