Since its premiere, 25 years ago MICHAEL FLATLEY’S – LORD OF THE DANCE has become the most successful touring production in entertainment history. Visiting over 1,000 venues worldwide and having been seen by over 60 million people, in 60 different countries and on every continent, making it one of the most popular dance productions in the world.
Dazzling audiences around the globe with its unique combination of high-energy Irish dancing, original music, storytelling and sensuality. The beloved Irish dance show transcends culture and language, soaring into the soul on astounding aerial moves, unparalleled precision dancing and state-of-the art theatrical effects.
Michael Flatley once said………
“Everyone in the world will tell you, ‘No, it can’t be done.’ Every time I hear that, I know I’m close to success.”
This philosophy was a main driving factor in the journey to Michael’s Lord of the Dance, which he began developing in 1995 following his departure from Riverdance.
Michael’s own journey towards stardom has been a tough one, both literally and metaphorically.
His parents emigrated from Ireland in 1947, meaning Michael grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and helped his family with its successful construction business. He credits this experience and his father for instilling in him the tireless work ethic and remarkable drive that empowered him in his quest to transform dreams into reality.
As a child, Michael was dubbed a “dreamer,” not an enviable title in a working-class Chicago household. As an adult, the lessons on hard work learned in that household helped the dreamer make his dreams real.
Although he was born and raised in the United States, he often visited family in Ireland while growing up. He fell in love with Irish dancing, encouraged by his mother and maternal grandmother, who were both Irish dance champions. Through his mother, Michael learned his first steps at the age of four.
In fact, you may notice that Michael continues to honour his late grandmother at every Lord of the Dance show, leaving an empty front-row seat as a silent tribute to the woman who paved the way for his success.
He said…..
“The empty seat is a sign of my respect to her, for I believe she is still watching me.”
So with that sort of passion and Lord Of The Dance is much more than a show, it really is a journey through Michael’s life, experiences and those who influenced and supported him along the way.
Much of the secret to its phenomenal success is that it speaks to all, crossing boundaries of age, gender and cultural diversity. It’s timeless, universal appeal has made Lord of the Dance one of the modern-day wonders of the world, a myth to a living legend.
The show follows a hero – the Lord of the Dance – fighting against an evil dark lord named Don Dorcha who wants to take over Planet Ireland. A love triangle between The Irish Cailín Saoirse, the Lord of the Dance and Morrighan the temptress weaves throughout the plot. These tales are based on ancient Irish folklore.
The show will go to the next level in 2022 for its 25th anniversary tour. We can expect new staging, new costumes and choreography plus cutting-edge technology, special effects and remarkable lighting. The spectacle will feature 40 of the world’s most outstanding young performers directed by Michael Flatley, with new music by composer Gerard Fahy.
LORD OF THE DANCE – CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF STANDING OVATIONS gets to the New Theatre stage in Cardiff from Monday 25th to Wednesday 27th April. There are three performances only, starting at 8pm each evening. Seats are incredibly limited and your best bet is to head for the Upper Circle – tickets are around £39 each. You can get yours, and more details HERE.
This latest iteration celebrating 25 years combines the best of tradition with all the excitement of new music and dance.
Production & Cast Composer – Gerard Fahy
The Lords:
- Matthew Smith
- James Keegan
- Cathal Keaney
- Andras Kren
- Grand Dance Master Emeritus – Marie Duffy Pask
