Irish dance explodes on stage in Emerald Storm
Emerald Storm at the Corn Exchange on Saturday, October 21
Review by ROBIN STRAPP
EMERALD Storm is a musical dance extravaganza that explodes on to the stage with energy, spirit and panache.
It’s performed by a company of highly talented and skilled dancers who bring a vibrant refreshing interpretation to Irish dancing and it’s exhilarating.
Emerald Storm is also the name of the lively pub that offers a performance space; a hub for the local close-knit community to meet offering an inclusive welcome for all to enjoy themselves, and they certainly do.
Hosted by charismatic emcee Robbie Browning, who powerfully sings and narrates the story, we share the lives of this group of locals who bring nightly enthusiastic entertainment to the venue.
The owners, Adam (Adam Brant) and Olivia (Olivia Graydon), are planning to get married, much to the excitement of everyone and the rumbustious wedding party with dancing to match causes many next day hangovers.
On ‘open mike’ night a group of Urban Tappers perform and they are so impressive with their dynamic routines that are exhausting to watch, they are invited to join and be part of the Irish dancers.
However, they have a sinister plan to take over the pub.
There is much sympathy from the audience for the ‘mop boy’ (James Wakeling), who is left on his own desperately seeking to be part of the troupe.
Frictions between the two groups grow and fights develop and the police make arrests.
But can there be a reconciliation and will peace be restored and can Emerald Storm survive? No spoilers.
Special mention to Liberty Stottor as Chanteuse and the amazing tap routine from Kai Scanlan, that had the audience cheering.
The music is a mixture of Irish folk and pop and David Sims’ electrifying score soars.
At the heart of this amazing production is the wonderful dancing. It’s breathtakingly invigorating.
What an incredible evening and we all joined in the dancing at the end.
A perfect antidote to the grey October weather and world events and the capacity audience left happy, having experienced such a dynamic rebirth of Irish dance.
Bravo!
