CEILIDH - a new musical
★★★★★
Shoreditch Town Hall until 15 November, before touring the UK
It feels only right to start this review with a confession. Despite being a MacKenzie on my mother's side of the family and strong connections to Waternish on the Isle of Skye, where ceilidhs are regularly held in the community hall, particularly during the winter months, I've unfortunately never managed to attend one on Skye myself. Beyond schooldays spent stumbling through Strip the Willow and several riotous evenings at the Gay Gordons in Islington a few years ago, it is fair to say my ceilidh-dancing skills are more than a little rusty.
Perhaps that's why Ceilidh the musical felt so welcoming.
For those unfamiliar with the tradition, the word ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) comes from the Scottish Gaelic for a social gathering. Traditionally it brings communities together through music, storytelling, dancing and shared celebration. This remarkable new musical captures that spirit beautifully, transforming Shoreditch Town Hall into a place where strangers become friends and everyone is invited into the story.
And what a lovely story it is.
At its heart is the history of Scotland's great callers, the people who guide dancers through the steps and keep the traditions alive. The narrative centres on one family of callers, with Ramsay the latest in a long line to inherit both the title and responsibility. What could easily have become little more than a framework for a night of dancing instead develops into a genuinely engaging family story about heritage, belonging, identity and love.
Without giving away spoilers, there was a moment involving the mysterious 'older man' who has hovered on the edges of the story throughout the evening. When his true identity and fate were finally revealed, both of us found ourselves unexpectedly emotional. It completely caught us off guard. One minute we were laughing and clapping along, the next we were reaching for tissues. The emotional payoff is beautifully judged and proof that there is far more substance here than the audience-participation format initially suggests.
Musically, the production is superb. The band are the beating heart of the evening, driving the action forward with infectious energy and extraordinary skill. The sound of fiddle, piano, accordion and percussion fills the hall with warmth and authenticity. You could happily listen to these musicians for hours. And of course there is a piper - always a sound I struggle with as my grandfather was a Pipe Major in the army.
The cast are equally wonderful. Laura Lovemore brings tremendous sass, humour and heart to Yvonne, while Charlie West demonstrates impeccable comic timing throughout. Kirsty Findlay is excellent as Euna. Looking every inch the archetypal Scottish heroine, she amusingly plays Euna as the English wife of Leo and mother of Ramsay. As you might expect in a production associated with Alan Cumming, the story embraces inclusivity with warmth and joy. Ramsay's growing relationship with Lucas is treated with affection and complete acceptance by his parents, entirely in keeping with the welcoming spirit that sits at the centre of the show.
Speaking of Alan Cumming, we were delighted to spot him in attendance on press night. As a producer of the show and supporter of its development through Pitlochry Festival Theatre, his influence can clearly be felt throughout the production's celebration of contemporary Scottish storytelling. Sadly, we can't promise you that Alan will be there for every performance.
The immersive elements largely work brilliantly. A wee dram and haggis bon bons during the interval are lovely touches that add to the evening's sense of warmth and hospitality. The dancing itself is tremendous fun, although the dancefloor became rather crowded and chaotic at times, making it difficult to fully get the feel of some of the dances. Likewise, the seating in parts of the hall is not banked, meaning that sightlines can occasionally be challenging if the action is taking place some distance away. Both are minor niggles. My only other quibble is a personal preference for an earlier start time than 8pm.
Yet none of that really mattered by the end.
As the final notes of Auld Lang Syne rang out, we found ourselves holding hands with people who had been complete strangers just a few hours earlier and somehow no longer were.
That, ultimately, is what Ceilidh understands better than almost any show I have seen this year. Community is not something we talk about. It is something we do.
Joyful, moving, funny and utterly life-affirming, Ceilidh is one of the most original and heartwarming theatrical experiences in London this year. The fact that I came home and immediately found myself looking for ceilidh dancing classes closer to home probably says everything you need to know.
Don't miss it.
Performance Information
Venue: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT
Runs until: 15 November
Then touring: Across the UK following the Shoreditch run
Booking: https://www.shoreditchtownhall.com
Verdict
Whether you're a seasoned ceilidh dancer or someone whose Gay Gordons have become a little rusty, make sure you join the party. You may leave with sore feet, a full heart and a room full of new friends.
Comments