A Taste of Ireland – “The Irish Music & Dance Sensation” – has already entertained thousands and is now touring Australia. Starring dancers from the West End’s Lord of the Dance, Riverdance & Gaelforce Dance, ‘A Taste of Ireland’ brings all new sets, costumes, tunes and effects hot off its premiere New York City run.
Including revamped classics like ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘Tell Me Ma’, the show’s high-energy blend of unbelievable A capella tap battles, world-class dancing, melodic folk music, and craic galore transports the audience through the story of Ireland’s tumultuous history, which is intertwined with tales of Irish Mythology.
This history begins with Fianna where bands of Irish Warriors came together for a common purpose. Followers of the mythical Irish giant, Fionn, who had a feud with the Scottish giant Benandoner. The cast portrays these figures through Irish music and dance.
- The Children of Lir is another well-known Irish legend telling of children turned into swans.
- Then, the Vikings arrive to maraud and pillage the Irish shores, making their way across the country and reigning over Ireland for over 100 years.
- Brian Boru reigned as High King of Ireland from 1002-1014 and is forever known as the man who drove the Vikings out of Ireland.
- Strugglers – In 1845 the Irish Potato Famine spread throughout Ireland, killing around one million of the population and causing another million to flee. It tested the Irish spirit but proved their strength to overcome anything.
- Celebration – The 1900s was a time of hope for a brighter future and the nation was determined to make it so.
- The Rising – The Easter Rebellion of 1916 was launched by Irish Republicans against British rule in Ireland. They fought the British Army and over 3,000 people were taken prisoner. In December 1918, the election was won by the Sinn Fein party and Irish Independence was gained at last.
- Hurling – Hurling is an ancient Gaelic sport using a stick-shaped with a scoop at the end, called a hurley, and a ball, which must be hit over the opponent’s goalpost for one point or under, past a goalkeeper, for three. The 1959 Championship Final took place in Dublin between Waterford and Kilkenny and, in an epic battle watched by over 73,000 men and women, and ended in a deadlock.
- Molly Malone – This song is considered the anthem of Dublin and one that has captured the heart and soul of all Ireland. It is not known whether Molly ever existed in reality, but she will live on as a part of Irish history.
Oh, what an amazing tribute to Irish Heritage by these exceptionally talented performers, who gave their all for the audience. The many glorious costumes enhanced their performance, as did the beautiful, medieval-themed, floor to ceiling hangings, and old film footage projected onto a screen at the back of the stage.
The Irish dancing was stupendous, executed with such skill and agility that it just blew the minds of the audience.
The A capella tap contest was also beyond belief with the dancers feet a blur.
A haunting rendition of Danny Boy brought a tear to many an eye, and the musicians also performed superbly.
Also, most impressive was the Irish bodhran (drum) from which Charlie Galloway raised the loudest, most heart-throbbing beat, using only a very small drumstick!
And, of course, throughout the show the Irish craic was present to make sure the audience enjoyed the “atmosphere, fun, carry on, surrounding our particular night out” and that we all did in bucketfuls.
Now touring Australia, do catch a show or you’ll live to regret it!
https://www.atasteofirelandshow.com/
About the Producers and Cast
Producer/Director, Brent Pace has been an Irish dancer for over 20 years. Son of one of Australia’s most prominent Irish dance teachers, he trained alongside the very best in London, Australia Dublin & the United States. In competition, he became a World Medallist, 6 Time National Champion and achieved top placings at every major Irish dance competition in the World.
Brent joined the show “The Rhythms of Ireland” in 2009 and by the beginning of 2011 he was the youngest Lead Dancer in the history of the company and has since gone on to perform globally. He has also featured in ABC3’s “Dancing Down Under” Documentary which followed his competitive Irish dance journey through to the World Championships. His producing and directing skills developed from his love of performing and creating, leading to forging ties, globally, with venues, producers and performers.
Co-Producer/Promotor, Ceili Moore from Sydney began dancing at the age of three under the guidance of Geraldine French, Fiona-Gaye Moore and Bernadette Langshaw-Clarke. In competition she was crowned Australian National, American National, All Ireland, and World Champion. After studying a variety of dance styles along with music and drama, she studied performing arts at both Newtown Performing Arts and Ettinghausens before beginning work professionally at the age of 18. She has since performed in shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance in over 15 countries, including performing the lead role of Morrighan alongside Michael Flatley in London’s West End. She has also appeared on The Graham Norton Show and Good Morning America. As an Ambassador for the Peter “Bullfrog” Moore association, she is dedicated to supporting young sportspeople and performers in achieving their dreams. Ceili is delighted to be a Lead Dancer, Co-Producer, and Promotor for A Taste of Ireland and credits her success to the support she too has had from family, friends and mentors.
Co-Producer, Jack Kearney was contracted by Éire Entertainment to tour Australia with the acclaimed stage show A Taste of Ireland . From there, Kearney worked for the company as both a dancer and writer on several national tours. At the end of 2017 Kearney’s commitment to the company was formalised when he was made the dance captain for the company’s seasonal spin off show A Taste of Irish Christmas. From 2015 to 2017, Kearney wrote and edited regularly for online news outlet Sportsmash. There he developed his journalistic range, writing in a variety of styles and formats, culminating in him being recognised as the site’s most read contributor of 2016. Kearney broke away from Sportsmash at the beginning of 2017 to focus on other pursuits. Following this departure, Kearney commenced work on a debut novel, penned the script for a new stage show and launched his own news website, Birdlike Wire.
The remainder of the cast is comprised of six amazingly talented lads, Colm Brien, Gerard Byrne, Isaac Loxley, Callum McGregor, Sean Michael McHugh and Daniel McNamara and seven lasses, Courtney D’Angelo, Louise Hewitt, Abigail Loxley, Roisin Naughton, Eleanor Payne, Brittany Pymm and Tyler Watkins. They hail from Ireland, Australia, England and America.
Daniel McNamara also sings the auld Irish ballads beautifully.
And, last, but certainly not least, are the two multi-skilled musicians, Cormac Crummey and Charlie Galloway, who play a variety of instruments including the violin and Irish bodhran.
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