Manchester’s Palace Theatre is the place to be for all major touring musicals, plays, and comedy shows. However, it recently opened its doors to welcome a little piece of Ireland.
I’d never seen a dance production before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when seeing Lord of the Dance for the first time. But walking into the foyer already felt as though this production meant something special to many of the people around me.
If there’s one thing I learnt that evening, it’s that storytelling doesn’t always need dialogue.
There’s something rather beautiful about discovering a new culture through live performance, especially in a city as diverse as Manchester. Lord of the Dance: 30th Anniversary feels like both a theatrical production and a celebration of Irish heritage, introducing newcomers like myself to traditions that have captivated audiences for decades.
The energy never stops. Every number bursts onto the stage with charisma, precision, and an infectious sense of joy. Even when the story shifts into darker territory, the production maintains an extraordinary momentum that rarely allows your eyes to settle in one place.
At its heart, it’s a simple tale of good versus evil, but the story is told entirely through movement. The result is surprisingly immersive, proving just how powerful dance can be as a form of storytelling.
Costumes that shine as brightly as the performers
The mesmerising costumes were one of my biggest highlights of the evening. The female dancers sparkle under the stage lights, with every crystal catching the light and creating a shimmering effect across the stage. Meanwhile, the male costumes cleverly establish the distinction between heroes and villains, becoming another layer of the storytelling itself.
The attention to detail throughout the production is remarkable. Even the hair and makeup deserve major recognition, with flawless styling that somehow remains immaculate despite the physically demanding choreography.
Performances full of charisma
Lucas Lowton leads the company as The Lord and the production’s dance captain with undeniable charm. From his very first appearance, he embodies the confidence and charisma associated with Michael Flatley, commanding the stage and effortlessly winning over the audience.
Evia Hayter is delightful as The Little Spirit, bringing a playful energy that feels both cheeky and graceful. Her presence adds warmth and lightness to the production.Â
Nicole Kelly’s Saoirse is equally captivating. There’s a genuine elegance to her performance, and she moves with such lightness that she often appears completely weightless, sparkling across the stage like her character has stepped straight out of a fairytale.
As Erin the Goddess, Cleo Griffin’s stunning vocals are matched by her dazzling appearance, shimmering like a diamond each time she steps into the light.
Meanwhile, Manchester’s own Sean Scally makes for a wonderfully menacing Dark Lord. Bold, dangerous, and clearly enjoying every moment of villainy, he frequently interacts with the audience, drawing plenty of reactions along the way.
There’s also something particularly fitting about a Mancunian performer playing such a central role in this celebration of Irish culture on a Manchester stage. It reinforces the feeling that this production is not only about tradition but also about connection.
An audience that says everything
The audience response throughout the evening was almost a performance in itself.
Standing ovations arrived after several of the major numbers, and every thunderous round of applause seemed to carry genuine affection and nostalgia. It was clear that this production holds a special place in many hearts.
By the time the final dance arrived, with The Lord leading the entire company in one last extraordinary display of precision, speed, and energy, the atmosphere inside the theatre was electric. Even as a first-time visitor to this world, the enthusiasm in the room became impossible to resist.
Final thoughts
Lord of the Dance: 30th Anniversary was one of the biggest surprises of my theatre year so far.
I arrived expecting an impressive dance performance and instead found myself immersed in a culture I knew very little about beforehand. The high-energy choreography, charismatic performances, and overwhelming sense of community made for an evening that felt far more significant than simply watching a dance show.
If anything, it left me wanting to explore more of this world and discover more about the traditions that inspired it.
For a few hours, Manchester felt a little closer to Ireland, and judging by the standing ovations, nobody in the Palace Theatre wanted the celebration to end.
Lord of the Dance: 30th Anniversary is running at the Palace Theatre until 15 July 2026. Book your tickets now.
**Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review
Kelsey Haslam is the founding editor of Magenta Adventures Travel Publication and a freelance travel writer with a focus on community-based travel, culture-led experiences, and theatre tourism. She is passionate about spotlighting lesser-known destinations and connecting travellers with meaningful, human-centred stories.
Her published work includes destination features and luxury hotel reviews for leading travel outlets such as A Luxury Travel Blog, Beau Monde Traveler, and Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.
Explore more about Kelsey’s background on the About Page.
