Liverpool Olympia – 2nd May 2025
Reviewed by Carla Whittaker
5*****
Irish Annies is a joyful celebration of Irish music, humour, and community spirit, brought to life through the warm and chaotic world of a local Irish pub.
Created by Asa Murphy and featuring live music from six-piece band The Shenanigans, the story follows pub landlady Annie and her loyal band of regulars as they navigate the threat of losing their beloved pub. Every day is St. Patrick’s Day in Annie’s, and the pub is filled with the charm of Irish culture: live music, hearty banter, and that ever-welcoming spirit. But when Moira the Moneylender arrives to collect a long-standing debt, the pub’s future hangs in the balance. Despite the uncertainty, the regulars rally together, and what unfolds is a night of laughter, storytelling, music, and good old Irish resilience.
As the show unfolds, we learn that Annie’s pub has become more than just a bar – it’s a cornerstone of the community, a place where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and music is the heartbeat of daily life. However, the looming threat of closure due to unpaid debts brings an emotional weight to the otherwise festive atmosphere. Annie struggles with how to break the news to her loyal customers, all while trying to keep spirits high. Moira the Moneylender’s impending visit creates a ticking clock, intensifying the drama while providing opportunities for comedic conflict. Throughout the evening, each of the regulars reveals their dreams, disappointments, and devotion to the pub. Ultimately, the community bands together in a heartfelt climax that celebrates resilience, friendship, and the power of music to unite.
Asa Murphy shines as Seamus Murphy, full of cheek and charisma, effortlessly guiding the action while also leading the band. Samantha Alton is outstanding as Irish Annie, perfectly capturing the spirit of a landlady who is both fiercely protective and warmly maternal. Her interactions with both cast and audience felt genuine and spontaneous. Ricky Tomlinson – a household name thanks to his role in The Royle Family – appears as himself, delivering belly laughs and crowd interaction through his stories of prison life, encounters with film stars, and tales from his career. Other strong performances include Lesley Longley as the lovable porky the postman, Richard Barry as the passionate but down-on-his-luck actor Noel Singen-Smithe, and Lynne Fitzgerald as the stern and memorable Moira the Moneylender. Each cast member brought unique charm and chemistry to the ensemble, resulting in a tight-knit and believable community.
The direction is sharp and well-paced, ensuring that the energy never dips. The set is a character in itself: a lovingly recreated Irish pub complete with Guinness signs, aged furniture, and atmospheric lighting. The setting instantly transported the audience to a cosy, familiar place, while the costumes grounded each character in authenticity. There was evident attention to detail in the production design, making the performance space feel intimate and immersive. From the lighting changes to the transitions between scenes, everything was slick and professional, enhancing the overall experience.
The script, written by Asa Murphy, strikes a perfect balance between comedy and emotion. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and filled with colloquial charm. Characters felt rounded and real, with clear relationships and backstories woven seamlessly into the narrative. The show’s musical backbone, featuring a mix of Murphy’s original songs and beloved Irish tunes, elevated the emotional beats and punctuated the comedy with heartfelt melodies. Audience interaction was a key component, and it never felt forced – rather, it was a natural extension of the pub setting. Ricky Tomlinson’s anecdotes and Murphy’s hosting brought a cabaret-style freshness to the production.
From the first note to the final curtain, the pace was fast and energetic. Scenes flowed smoothly, and the integration of music, dance, and dialogue kept the audience consistently entertained. There was never a dull moment – even quieter scenes held attention thanks to emotional depth and superb timing. The energy levels were high throughout, and the cast maintained a strong connection with the audience.
The atmosphere in the Liverpool Olympia was electric. Laughter rang out frequently, and sing-alongs were heartily embraced. The show fostered a true sense of community – people who entered as strangers left with shared memories and smiles. From clapping along with the music to shouting out responses during banter, the audience was thoroughly engaged. It felt more like a celebration than a standard performance.
A standout moment was Richard Barry’s powerful rendition of ‘Danny Boy‘. The room fell completely silent – a moment of pure emotion – before erupting into thunderous applause. The chemistry between Murphy and Alton grounded the show, giving it heart and warmth. The Shenanigans were musically flawless, and their joy was infectious. A personal favourite was the rendition of ‘I Love Galway Bay‘. Another unforgettable moment was Ricky Tomlinson’s storytelling, which gave the show a unique edge and grounded it in
The show itself was flawless and deeply enjoyable. The only slight drawbacks were related to the venue: the space was chilly, and the toilets were understocked and lacked hot water. These small issues did not detract from the brilliant performance and are more a reflection of the venue than the production.
Irish Annies is a feel-good musical that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. It’s a tribute to Irish culture, storytelling, and music, all delivered with sincerity and charm. You’ll laugh, you’ll sing, and you may even shed a tear. A perfect night out that uplifts and entertains. A reminder of the magic that live theatre can bring.
Irish Annies is now touring the UK and promises a fantastic evening for all. Whether you’re looking for a night of comedy, music, or simply to be uplifted, this show delivers. Don’t miss out – get your tickets and join the Irish party!