Calling all StageSider’s, welcome back to another Review here at StageSideUK! We were whisked off to the mountain tops, rivers and fields of Ireland as we experienced the Rhythm of the Dance, at Darlington Hippodrome.
This performance was simply magical. The energy of the band was contagious, and had the audience clapping and whooping along with them. I found myself getting lost in the rhythm and tapping along, a superb soundtrack for some equally superb dancing.
I want to give a mention to the fiddle player, who was completely professional. There was one moment where a string on the fiddle snapped, and she had left the stage quickly without making a scene. In the meantime, the flute, guitar and what looked like a banjo, took over and carried the rhythm section for a little while. When she returned to the stage she brought twice as much energy and received a round of applause for the way she dealt with it. This is NOT a criticism… this is me pointing out how amazing this band were. Each one talented and the ability to just take over each others melodies and rhythms were amazing! An amazing band and perfect performance! Well done!
The dancers were also amazing. I was in awe from the beginning to the end. How do they dance like that? How do they have the stamina and doesn’t it hurt their feet?! All questions I had to ask myself during the interval. The whole company of dancers were stunning to watch and all of them performed beautifully as part of the ensemble and as individual dancers.
Not knowing much about Irish dancing, I can’t comment on the execution etc, but I can say it was aesthetically pleasing, engaging, relaxing and yet full of energy and excitement!
The set design combined with the lighting design worked so well. And the added projections were amazing. They really lured you in as an audience member. The three areas of the show work so well in transporting you to the riverside, the mountain tops, a busy street. A great display of visual effects and a lovely evening of entertainment. This is a show I didn’t know I needed to see, until I saw it and now I am beyond glad I have experienced the Rhythm of the Dance.
Now onto the ratings
Entertainment:
This show gave me a fantastic night out at the theatre, it was good to finally see the show for the first time. The hype surrounding was completely valid!. I think it was completely stunning, entertaining and a great evening! I am really excited, I am already waiting for the next tour announcement. This is five out of five star entertainment. Nothing less than amazing!
Value for money
This show costs a minimum of £26 for a clear view seat in my local theatre, and I think that is completely justified. When you see the costumes, the set, the projection, the lighting and hear the soundtrack, you have already had your £26 worth. And then you get a live band full of talented musicians and a cast of amazing dancers on top! I would happily, and will happily, pay £26 to see this show again! Roll on the next your is what I say! Five out of five stars for entertainment!
Accessibility
This show is loud, the bass is pumping and I did find myself getting carried away with the bass a bit. My heart seemed to change pace, but I do also have one of the dodgiest hearts going. Other than that, this show has a lot of visual stimulation, some shouting, some participation and the energy in the room gets quite intense but I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and I got involved as far as I wanted to, and it wasn’t an issue. This isn’t one of those shows where they will point you out and keep making you clap.
Overall
Post pandemic, to see something this polished, professional and slick, is amazing. I absolutely loved my night at the theatre and Rhythm of the Dance is a show that has to be seen! It was something new for me and it is something I now know I need to see more often! With all the irish folk songs you can handle, tip tapping and some great musicality, this show has it all and then some. An amazing, professional, visually stunning and musically interesting performance. Five out of five stars, easily!
Have your say!
Have you seen Rhythm of the Dance? What did you think? Are you hoping for an Encore, or are you tip tapping your way up the aisle? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. I completely respect and value everyone that worked on this show. We need to remember that these are people with feelings. Let’s treat them with respect. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
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Kira Curtis