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Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
@philhopkinsuk
4:46 PM 15th October 2014
arts

Riverdance Matures 20 years On

 
Michael Flatley must haunt the Riverdance production team more than the Celtic ghosts of Wicklow's Glendaloch for, no matter how hard they try, two decades on it will always be associated with the Irish American choreographer.

Last night the 2014 company arrived in Bradford with all the grace and grandeur of the River Nile, and yet the only evidence of Flatley in sight was the souvenir programme's inside back cover which begrudgingly featured a tinted photo with the caption: "Original 1995 Riverdance troupe with Principal dancers Michael Flatley and Jean Butler."

But, despite this intentional 'omission' - Flatley left the show in 1995 amid rows over creativity - Riverdance has grown up, evolving into a mature show that continues to endure despite its 20 year run.

Featuring an interesting fusion of American tap, flamenco, Russian folk and, of course, the ever ubiquitous Irish 'tap' dancing, this 2014 'anniversary' production is as energetic as it ever was, leaving you convinced that it is more than possible to stage a three minute encore in your kitchen!

Sadly it isn't!

Most of the young dancers have been treading the boards since they were three to five years old and, quite frankly, their strength is not only in their bodies, but in the way they make everything look so effortless.

It truly is a wonderful show and, if I were a national theatre critic, I would be entering the dubious world of adjective overload. But, since I'm not, I am only prepared to say fabulous, exhilarating, effortless and, quite simply, wonderful darling!

For two hours you are transported to an imaginary world, a time in Ireland's history when it was the Celts, not the Romans who ruled that land, a time of mystery, magic, legends and, of course, beautiful women; almost every woman on stage was a beautiful Colleen with milky skin and a figure to die for! And, I'm assured, the blokes weren't bad looking either!

Riverdance started life as a seven minute interval performance at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest and, in no time at all, it had become an international phenomenon.

Its durability is in its energy, mysticism and delivery of something that everyone wants.....Irish mysticism, music, art, literature, dance and hint of good old blarney.

Whether or not you have rhythm you'll love it but, be warned, no tap dancing at home post show......plumber's cost a fortune these days!

Until Sunday 19th October 2014
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Starts: 8pm