I had no
expectations as I took my seat in the stalls mid evening, the crowd shushing
around me and the last few shufflers finding their chairs. After a warm welcome
to the show with Plastic Fantastic opening the set, a beautiful rendition of Summerfly was performed by Katherine Allan. I
say warm welcome because it felt as if I was sitting in on a big family reunion
of sorts, where all were part of the extended family. The stage was set with
simple yet stylish banners & lighting, and the Sasta musicians sat perched
on their stools keen to get on with the show. A few introductions were made and
then the traditional step dancing began. As the fiery, champion dancers took
the floor, my breath was taken away by their remarkable talent. It was clear
that the heart of tradition was beating strongly throughout this first set of
the performance.
The team
performed in great gusto with traditional green velvet dresses for the ladies &
a smart casual look for the guys, which was followed through the night by some
creative costume changes. We were treated to some amazing instrumental pieces
and a couple of bold narratives from Irish Joe, a true life seanchai from
County Cork. Irish Joe’s epic, memorised story telling had me laughing and
crying, what a marvellous troubadore. By the time the lights signalled
intermission, all the audience were chattering delightedly about the show so
far. Soon the bell rang, we all gathered in to our chairs once more and without
further ado the magnificent dancers kicked up their heels again.
As the
first half of the evening went, so did the second. In full tradition of tale
and song; the dancers got among the audience and even the daughter of one of
the musicians, performed on stage. Much merriment and enjoyment, signalled by the
cheers and claps, was tell that all had thoroughly enjoyed the show. All
involved had obviously worked together with much love and effort. I must say,
having never experienced anything like this before, I entered without expectation
and was rewarded with a supremely entertaining evening. The dancing was
electric, the talented musicians truly in tune with each other, and the flow of
the whole evening was a fully engaging, interactive night of folklore and
folly.
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