ÉIREANN BY A TASTE OF IRELAND REVIEWED
- Deborah Tarrant
- 7 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Éireann is the latest theatrical venture from the creators of international touring A Taste of Ireland, described as a powerful and immersive reimagining of Irish cultural storytelling. The production weaves traditional Irish dance with original musical arrangement and visual artistry to bring Ireland’s rich history to life—journeying from ancient mythology, Viking conquests, to the Famine, the Easter Rising and beyond.
We saw the UK premiere at the Peacock Theatre at the end of August 2025 before it embarks on its world tour. Having toured across Australia, New Zealand, North America and most recently a critically acclaimed Off-Broadway run, this newly redeveloped version marked A Taste of Ireland’s first major West End appearance.
A cast of 16 world-class dancers and four gifted musicians — including alumni of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, as well as multiple Irish dancing world champions — bring this breathtaking production to life, fusing traditional and daring contemporary choreography, athleticism and stage presence resulting in engaging storytelling. All movement and vocals are performed entirely live, accompanied by stunning cinematic visuals that immerse the audience in the emotional landscape of Ireland’s past.
Among the cast are the principal dancers and soloists: · Gavin Shevlin (Donegal): Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, 2× World Champion and Julia O’Rourke (New York): 5× World Champion; Alliyah O’Hare (Birmingham): 9× World Champion, Lord of the Dance; Callum O’Neill (Birmingham): World Champion, Riverdance 25th anniversary UK tour; Cian Walsh (Cork): 2nd in the World, 7× Munster Champion; Clara Sheppard (Belfast): World Champion, Lord of the Dance
The dancers’ energy is complemented by a talented musical trio and vocalist including Megan McGinley (Donegal): Fiddle – Lord of the Dance, Young Musician of the Year; Aaron O’Grady (Cork): Guitar – Musical Director: Celtic by Candlelight, Associate Musical Director: Éireann and Vocalist - Brian O’Broin (Cork)
The dancing was a combination of fast and frenetic footwork, flowing balletic elements with the iconic high kick of the Irish dance and athletic and imaginative contemporary. Anyone (like me) who has done any flamenco or other dance genres which uses complex footwork will appreciate the huge skill, intensity and energy, and brilliant execution of the dancing in this production. To put it into perspective, the footwork was so fast you would not be able to even clap to that speed!
Also, as a very amateur fiddle player myself, I was in awe of Megan McGinley and her exquisite playing whilst accompanying the dancing and playing in the musical interludes. As the show neared the end she took centre stage for her solo performance that built to a rapid conclusion with an increasingly fast pace to match the previous solo performance of the male principal dancer.
The vocalist delivered beautiful renditions of some traditional Irish songs such as The Irish Rover, The Wild Rover and Danny Boy and The Triangle much to the delight of the audience that sung along.
Visually, Éireann is a theatrical spectacle. It uses advanced lighting, stagecraft, and immersive cinematic visuals to amplify the emotional impact of the music and dancing. Throughout the show, signature Irish warmth and humour (also with some easy audience participation) help anchor the sweeping historical journey in a deeply human context.
Production Team & Direction
The show is created and directed by Brent Pace (A Taste of Ireland – Off Broadway, with co-direction from Ceili Moore (World Champion, Riverdance, Lord of the Dance), and musical direction by Charlie Galloway (Talisk).
Éireann is a stirring and modern reinvention of Irish cultural storytelling, elevated through dance, music, and theatrical innovation. Its emotional depth, dynamic choreography, and top-tier production values deliver a powerful experience honouring the lyrical and rebellious spirit of Ireland and its tradition and folklore.
Éireann is a powerful and poetic celebration of identity, tradition, folklore and innovation.
General Information
Especially for fans of Irish dance or anyone seeking a moving, artful journey through Ireland’s history. This family friendly show premiered in London at the Peacock Theatre at the end of August.
RUNNING TIME: Approximately 2 hours, including one 20-minute interval
AGE GUIDANCE: 8+
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