Celebrate the Essence of Ireland

The spirit of the emerald isle is to hit stages at theatres across the UK this spring, as the show Essence of Ireland goes back on tour.

The tour, which opens at the Octagon in Yeovil on February 20, runs for six weeks leading up to and around St Patricks Day on March 17 at venues across the UK through to the end of March.

Set against the backdrop of Ireland, England and America in the 20th century and inspired by true events, Essence of Ireland tells a story of love, loss, happiness and heartache – told through music, song and dance that celebrates all things Irish.

It features original, energetic choreography, along with popular Irish songs such as “Galway Girl”, “Tell Me Ma,” “Irish Rover”, “You Raise Me Up”, “Song for Ireland”, “Danny Boy” and many more.

Ross Mills, Director of Production and co-writer of Essence of Ireland, says: “The Irish have a cultural identity like no other and that pride in their cultural identity, heritage and traditions, manifests itself in the global phenomenon that is ‘St Patrick’s Day.’

“The six week tour, which has been scheduled around St Patricks Day 2014 in March, aims to really capture that authentic Irish feeling and celebrate this infectious heritage, which is now shared by all cultures worldwide. It is so much more than just a dance show – it is a unique combination of music, song and dance that is locked together by a compelling storyline.”

Creative Director and co-writer, Ged Graham, says: “My Irish heritage is very special to me and really defines who I am. As an Irishman who has spent most of my adult life away from Ireland, I wanted to create a show that would give everybody an insight into being Irish.

“We set out to tell one man’s story that would really reflect the experience of every Irish man and woman who left Ireland’s shore and, most of all a story that the audience would relate to. This I believe is the reason behind the success of the show to date … and add to that the fact that us Irish folk don’t need an excuse for a party! It’s a great craic!”

The cast of Essence of Ireland is made up of multinational world-class dancers and vocalists, all of whom have Irish roots, accompanied by a live band. It’s produced by the production company Prestige Productions, based in Bristol.

2014 Tour Dates

20 February Yeovil Octagon 7.30pm

22 February York Barbican 7.30pm

28 February Salisbury City Hall 7.30pm

1 March Northampton Derngate 7.30pm

2 March Shrewsbury Severn Theatre 2.30pm & 7.30pm

3 March Norwich Theatre Royal 7.30pm

4 March Lytham St Annes Lowther Pavilion 7.30pm

5 March Huddersfield Town Hall 7.30pm

6 March Fife Rothes Hall 7.30pm

8 March Lincoln Theatre Royal 2pm & 7.30pm

9 March Colchester Charter Hall 7.30pm