Reeling in the years -- The jig certainly isn't up as Riverdance celebrates three legendary decades
From a stunning interval act during Eurovision to a global phenomenon… Riverdance is celebrating a remarkable 30 years on the road tonight.
As soon as the short–but–thrilling first-ever performance finished in the Point Depot in 1994, thousands in the audience jumped to their feet and erupted into ecstatic applause.
The original producer, John McColgan, has recalled that he was in tears at the reception the seven-minute 'interlude' received and knew he had to give Riverdance its own Broadway-style show. Director of Riverdance John McColgan. Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos.
Just a year later, Riverdance was on the road and has been ever since, entertaining millions around the globe and bringing them a taste and flavour of the rich Irish culture that spawned it.
In its 30 years on the road, the show has seen many romances blossom among cast members, producing 70 marriages and 130 babies.
Riverdance 30 – The New Generation has kicked off a three-month stint at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, running until September 7. Original Riverdance. Pic: File
A sign of its longevity is the fact that the entire cast is now younger than the show itself. Daragh Roddy, the son of a former Riverdance lead, Pat Roddy, is dancing in the show's Dublin debut.
The show made careers of its original leads: US-born dancers Michael Flatley, 66, and Jean Butler, 54, both went on to individual global stardom.
Overseeing rehearsals for the new show was McColgan, now 80, who produced the original performance with his wife, Moya Doherty, 68. Current Lead Riverdance dancers Amy Mae Dolan and Fergus Fitzpatrick on stage with Director of Riverdance John McColgan and (L) Former dancer Susan Ginnety and (R) Breandán De Gallaí. Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos.
He recalled: 'The Point Theatre: when Riverdance finished, 4,000 people jumped to their feet in unison, but I was in tears, I knew something special had happened.'
A year later, McColgan had turned the interval act into a two-hour stage show, which opened in Dublin on February 9, 1995.
Talking about the transformation, he said: 'I was a big fan of the Broadway musical, and I wanted to take Irish dance and the very strait-laced way it had been performed. We change it and polish it all the time. Former Riverdance dancer Pat with his son Darragh (20). Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos.
'The fundamental show is the same, but you get new energy every time there is a new cast. They're like young athletes now, and they take it very, very seriously.'
Anna Mai Fitzpatrick, who dances in the show with her brother Fergus, grew up in Meath thinking she wanted to be in Riverdance.
She said: 'We absolutely feel the responsibility and we take that challenge completely positively and we see it more as an honour rather than a heavy weight. Riverdance was here before either of us were born.'
Fergus described leading Riverdance along with his sister as a 'dream come true', adding: 'It's even more special to be able to have family on the road with you when you're traveling, getting to do what you love, getting to see these amazing places while taking care of the iconic show.'
While Sheena McMorrow is too young at 17 to join the full cast, she took part in last night's special performance at the Gaiety, following in the dance steps of her parents, Fran and Jonathan McMorrow, both former Riverdance members.
'My parents met in Riverdance, and that just made it so clear Irish dancing was going to be a big part of my life,' she said. Dad Jonathan said: 'It's fabulous for her to be able to do this. She's looked forward to this day for a very, very long time.' Tickets for the Gaiety shows are priced from €36.55 to €61.10.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
What time and TV channel is Callum Walsh v Elias Espadas on today?
Cork boxer Callum Walsh is hoping to edge ever closer to a World title fight as he takes on Elias Espadas in California tonight. Backed by UFC boss Dana White, Walsh now boasts a 13-0 professional record and is now endging closer to a world title fight. It has been an interesting career trajectory for the talented Rebel, with his coaching team preaching patience when it comes to title opportunities despite the hype surrounding Walsh. The 24-year-old headlined a 3Arena bout last year and has made no secret of wanting to bring big-time boxing back to his hometown at some point. But Walsh, who is based stateside, returns to action tonight in California. Here is everything you need to know about the bout. The fight takes place at Chumash Casino in California. The main card starts at 3 a.m. Irish time, with Walsh set to the main event a couple of hours later. UFC Fight Pass will show the card. Monthly passes are €9.99 or €89.99 for the year. Callum Walsh 1/16 Draw 25/1 Elias Espadas 8/1
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
RTE star Donal Skehan has teased fans with a release date for his latest TV project.
AN RTE star has teased fans with a release date for his latest TV project. The popular Irish chef is renowned for his easy recipe cookbooks and food shows - and there's plenty more to come. 2 Donal Skehan teased a brand new project with fans 2 Donal is set to released a new cookbook and TV show To the delight of his fans, Donal revealed that he had a series of major projects coming up over the next few months. Taking to The 37-year-old wrote: "Happy Saturday! We've just finished filming 30 brand new recipes from the new book." The culinary star went on to share that his new cooking programme Real Time Recipes was coming to autumn ". READ MORE IN RTE He gushed: "It's been full on but it's shaping up to be the best yet can't wait for you to see it." Donal told how it had been a busy few weeks but he was delighted to have some quality time with his wife and kids. The dad-of-two added: "I'll be doing some gardening , planting, cooking and there may be some needlework! Hope you have a lovely weekend and enjoy these beautiful summer days!" In the accompanying picture, Donal looked happy-as-ever as he sat on Howth pier holding his son Oliver. Most read in News TV Oliver had a big grin on his face a he snuggled into his dad while his brother, Noah, leaned on Donal's leg. Their family dog, Max, even stood for the photo with the trio. Arthur Gourounlian left confused at Donal's Irish slang And fans all flocked to the comment section to gush over the star's announcement. Anna wrote: "Excited for the new show, have a great day!" Lola said: "Wow this is a beautiful family photo." 'LOVELY' Eric added: "Another cookbook to add to the collection." While Rosemary remarked: "Lovely place to be on such a lovely day." And Cheryl gushed: "So much cuteness, looking forward to show."
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
British Conservative Party leader says BBC 'should not show' Kneecap at Glastonbury
British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has said she thinks the BBC "should not be showing" Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury Festival next week. In a social media post on X, which was accompanied by an article from The Times that claimed the BBC had not banned the group, Ms Badenoch wrote: "The BBC should not be showing Kneecap propaganda. "One Kneecap band member is currently on bail, charged under the Terrorism Act. "As a publicly funded platform, the BBC should not be rewarding extremism." On Wednesday, Mr Ó hAnnaidh was accompanied to Westminster Magistrates' Court by his two other band members, JJ Ó Dochartaigh, whose stage name is DJ Próvaí, and Naoise Ó Cairealláin, whose stage name is Móglaí Bap. Mr Ó hAnnaidh is alleged to have displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town in north London on 21 November last year. He was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on 20 August. Following the hearing, the rapper said: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday. "If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We'll be at Wembley in September." In November, Kneecap won its discrimination case over a decision made by Ms Badenoch to refuse them funding. A BBC spokesperson said: "As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. "Whilst the BBC doesn't ban artists, our plans will ensure that our programming will meet our editorial guidelines. Decisions about our output will be made in the lead up to the festival." During their sold-out gig at Fairview Park in Dublin on Thursday, DJ Próvaí thanked fans who turned out to support them during their bandmate's court case. Formed in 2017, the Belfast trio are known for their provocative lyrics in both Irish and English. Their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and 3Cag.
