Peacock Theatre – until 31 August 2025
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
3***
Director Brent Pace and his Assistant Director Ceili Moore have created a fabulous performance full of storytelling and glimpses of Ireland’s history. Breaking out of the traditional Irish dance performance, Eireann is a refreshing new way of presenting amazing talent and sharing Ireland’s journey.
You cannot deny the award winning talent of the ensemble drawn together from all over the world. Principal Dancer Gavin Shevlin set the stage on fire with his speed and stamina, using every inch of the stage. Principal Dancer Brittany Pymm is a skilled, natural performer, bringing poise and femininity to the performance. Together they lend a story of village life and growing up with the traditions of the past and pressure of the present.
The ensemble injects humour, the competitive nature of adolescence and full blown drama of adulthood. With solo performances from many of the cast, you get to know the personalities on show. There are times where the lifts and acrobatic moves feel deliberate and careful. However, accentuated by Bird and Stag Leaps, entwined with contemporary fluidity, it is a whole new way of experiencing Irish Dance.
The use of an onstage camera brings close up the passion of the solo performers and the speed of their feet! The inspired simplicity of the staging belies the complexity of direction to get it just right.
It would not be a performance about Ireland without the music, given to us by the fiddle, banjo, guitar and vocals. Brian O Broin gives us well known tunes the audience can join in, like Danny Boy and Sweet Molly Malone. The real stars of the show are Megan McGinley on fiddle, Eamonn O’Sullivan on Banjo and Musical Director Aaron O’Grady on guitar. Their energetic music evokes imagery and atmosphere that carries the show.
An evening of emerald isle escapism to lift the spirits.