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Essence of Ireland Dance Troup

Jamie Meek – Male Lead Dancer

Jamie has been dancing professionally now for the past 9 years. He attended Pattison Theatre Arts where he gained five associates in both I.D.T.A and I.S.T.D.

Since then he has toured the world with Irish dance shows Spirit of the Dance (as male lead), Dancing Queen, Fire of the Dance, Dance Passion, and was original cast for The Essence of Ireland.

Jamie has also worked on various TV shows such as Top of the Pops, Friday Night Project, Paul O’Grady and Ricky Gervais’s Extra’s. Film Credits include Bollywood hits Janeman and KANK and period British film Inkheart.

Alongside this he has appeared in various commercials and modelling campaigns.

Elouise Shutler – Female Lead dancer

Eloise trained at the 'Hilary Hall School of Dance and Drama' and the 'Shamrock and Thistles' dance school. During her training she competed in many Irish dance festivals across the UK, winning open dance categories and Most Promising Dancer at the All England competition.

Theatre credits include: Fire of Dance principle dancer (UK & European Tour), Spirit of the Dance Soloist/Swing (World Tour), Cinderella Dance Captain (Regent Theatre, Ipswich), Dancing Queen Ensemble (UK & China Tours) Cinderella as Cinderella (Mountbatten Theatre), Golden Days of Variety Dance Captain (Sandown Pavilion) & Spirit of Christmas Dancer/Singer (Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, LA)

TV credits include: Good Morning America (WB) & KTLA morning show. Eloise has also worked for P&O Cruises as Dancer/1st Cover Singer (Stadium Theatre Company, MV Adonia & MV Victoria).

Aaron James – Dance Director

Aaron trained at the Tiffany Stage Academy. Whilst training he won the 'ISTD UK DANCER OF THE YEAR' award - the only male dancer ever to have received this accolade.

As a performer engagements include Lead Irish Soloist for Spirit of the Dance and Essence of Ireland, Tap Soloist for Fire of Dance, 42nd Street National Tour, One World - UK Tour, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Lily Live for ITV, The Biz and Generation Game for BBC and numerous TV shows in Europe.

Aaron spent 3 years as resident dance director for Spirit of the Dance, staging the production around the globe including Wembley, Las Vegas, New York and Sydney. He was then invited to direct and choreograph the critically acclaimed Fire of Dance throughout Europe and Asia - a show that ran for 5 successful years.

Other choreographic credits include the European Tour of Hot Stuff, Summer and Winter Special at the West Cliff - Clacton, Snow White and Cinderella at the Ipswich Regent, The Gala Opening of the Grove Theatre, Dunstable and various productions for The Tiffany Group.

Aaron has also staged fashion shows and corporate entertainment for clients including Debenhams, The Princes Trust, H&M, Ford, Wrigleys, and Emirates Airline.

Susie Parsley – Choreographer

London born Susie has many choreography credits to her name including UK tours of Chartbusters, Red Hot Party and Flashback. Other Credits include choreography for Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore for the Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury.

For T.V she has choreographed Star Stories for Channel 4 and The Merry Go Round for ITV.

As a performer Susie has worked all over the world as Lead Vocalist and Dance Captain in various production shows for several cruise liners. She also regularly sings as Lead Singer in West End party band Musik Express.

She was also lucky enough to have the privilege of performing at The Queens’ 80th Birthday at Buckingham Palace.

Susie enjoys spending her spare time at home in Bromley with her boyfriend Stuart. She also runs her own production company Decadance Productions.

Soula Fieldhouse - Dancer

Soula trained at the Livingston academy of dance in the West Midlands and started working professionally at the age of seventeen. Her work has led her to travel extensively performing in theatres and on cruise ships around the world.

Her theatre credits include the Chuckle Brothers UK tour, Cinderella at the Swan theatre High Wycombe, Noi with l’arcobaleno dance company in Rome, Spirit of Christmas at the Kodak theatre in LA, I can’t stop loving you U.K tour, Dancing Queen in Atlantic city, Reno, China and the UK and Spirit of the dance in the UK, Europe and Monte Carlo.

Her television performances include GMTV, Good morning America for WB11 and the KTLA morning show. This year Soula performed at the Monaco TV awards.

She is now looking forward to her first tour with Essence of Ireland.

Katie Brotherhood - Dancer

Katie grew up in Nottingham where she trained as a Dancer and Figure Skater since the age of five. She competed in many Dance festivals and two British Skating Championships as well as performing in numerous pantomimes at the Playhouse, Theatre Royal and National Ice Centre in Nottingham.

Katie then went on to work as a Dancer/Dance Captain for Carnival Cruise lines which enabled her to travel all over the world.

Katie's recent work includes "Illusion On Ice" in Mexico for Global Ice Productions, and the UK tour of Mickey's Magic Show playing the part of Cinderella for Disney's Feld Entertainment.

Katie is pleased to be returning to Essence of Ireland.

Abbie Porter - Dancer

Abbie started dancing at the age of 5 and at 7 years old went to train at the Hilary Hall Dance Academy where she graduated last summer.

During her training she was lucky enough to perform in several variety shows and pantomimes, these include 'Dick Whittington' (Mountbatten Theatre), Lead dancer 'Dance Out Loud' (Medina Theatre), Lead Dancer "One Night Only' (Medina Theatre), and Featured Dancer Annual Charity Gala (Ryde Theatre).

After also recently completing a Diploma in Performing Arts, she started her professional debut, at Christmas, as an ensemble in Snow white and the seven dwarfs (The Grove theatre).

Abbie is thrilled to be part of ‘The essence of Ireland’ for the first time and would like to thank all her family and partner for all their support!

Holly Fletcher - Dancer

Holly graduated from Laine Theatre Arts, Epsom with Diplomas in Musical Theatre and Acting.

Her credits include; Spirit of the Dance (US Tour, Canada and UK Tour.), Red Hot Broadway (Monte Carlo, Canada, Brazil, US Tour and UK Tour), Christmas on Broadway (Tunica MS), Original cast Dancing Queen (Sporting Club, Monte Carlo), Dick Whittington (Royal Derngate, Northampton), All You Need is Love, (Theatre Royal Windsor). Production dancer onboard QE2 on her final world voyage, Spirit of the Dance (Kodak Theatre, LA), Peter Pan, Liza the Maid/us Wendy (Ashcroft Theatre Croydon).

Holly is looking forward to touring with Essence or Ireland.

Wayne Thompson - Dancer

Wayne Thompson from Liverpool has been dancing for 8 years. He trained at Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre for 3 years, and from there has been in shows all over the world.

Along with theatre work he has also appeared in Bollywood movies and music videos for both English and Indian artists.

He says he is looking forward to another tour with The Essence Of Ireland.

Chris Gage - Dancer

Chris was born in Teeside and made his West End debut at 15 in Oliver! (London Palladium) playing Snake. He trained at the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts and the Circus Space in collaboration with the Central School of Speech and Drama.

He has appeared in many productions. the most recent being The Lord of The Rings at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, having played to an audience of over 700, 000.

His other credits include: The Carpet, understudied Lefou in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (UK tour), Spirit of the Dance (World tour), Baby John in West Side Story and a season at the Millennium Dome, Greenwich, in which he starred in OVO, the central arena show, as an aerialist 42m high. This gave him a taste for altitude and he is now a qualified skydiver.

Brian Elrick - Dancer

Born in Aberdeen, Brian Graduated from East 15 acting School, London.

Theatre Roles include: Hansel in Hansel and Gretel (Priestly theatre). Benedict Dover in The Monday Morning Riots, (Blackfriars Arts Centre). Rick Brown, The Price of Fame, (The Gatehouse Theatre). Ernesto in Love Me Dorothy (Sound theatre London). Lysander in A midsummer night’s Dream( Belgrade theatre, Coventry) Klaus Munn in Mephisto (Camden People's Theatre) Alladin in Aladdin (Brunton Theatre). Floyd, Ghost of a Chance (Talk of London Theatre). Dandini in Cinderella, (Eden Court Theatre) Claudio in Measure for Measure, (Camden Theatro technis). Jack, Jack & the Beanstalk (Eden Court Theatre).

Musicals include: Colin Craven, The Secret Garden, (Uk Tour) Lead Vocalist, The Show Must Go On, (no.1 UK Tour) Venus De Mont in ORGASM the musical (Edinburgh Festival) Street Jazz, All that Jazz (UK tour) Harry, Soultrain (Uk Tour), Lead Vocalist onboard Cruise ships including, M.S. Sunbird and Carousel for My Travel.

Helen Jeckells - Dancer

This is Helen's fourth Irish show, having appeared in The Essence of Ireland last year, Magical Rhythms of Ireland 11, and Spirit of the Dance.

At Christmas she played Witch Hazel and choreographed Beauty and the Beast for Paul Holman Associates at the Palace Theatre, Redditch, alongside Bernie Clifton, and has previously worked with Lionel Blair, Wayne Sleep, and Ann Charleston to name a few!

Credits include: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (National Tour), The Rat Pack Party (Windsor & Jersey), Forever in Blue Jeans, Rigoletto and La Forza del Destino (Royal Opera House), Into the Woods, and five seasons in Seaside Special at the Pavilion Theatre, Cromer.

Helen has also appeared in several plays including Comedy of Errors, Once a Catholic, One September Night, The Children's Hour, and The Three Sisters.

Choreographic work includes several pantomimes and summer shows such as Summer Spectacular (Clacton & Bournemouth), The Crazy Horse Saloon Shows, The Fantastics, Paradise by the Dashboard, Lights, The Melody Lingers On, Peter Pan, and Cinderella to Snow White!

Shanachie “The Essence of Ireland Band and Singers

Kieran Cunningham – Lead Vocals

Kieran is a native of County Down, Northern Ireland and came to England to study Drama.

He fronted a band called Heritage and played the very prestigious “Leeds folk festival” and has worked extensively as a musician, singer and actor in the UK for 20 years.

He also won the best performance award with the Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards in the world premier of the play “The Flags” at the Royal Exchange Theatre – Manchester.

Credits include Keys, Romeo and Juliet, The Quire Fellow (Liverpool Playhouse, National Tour), In the Midnight Hour (Young Vic, London), Grace in America (Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, and Scottish Tour), Of Mice and Men (Opera House, Belfast).
Television Credits include: Shameless, Sometime never (ITV), The Street, Independent Man. Radio Credits include: End of Love (BBC World Service), The Blackburn Files (BBC Radio 4), A Land fit for Hero’s. Kieran has also done voice over work for “Father Ted” Christmas special and has appeared in the film “Dot Kill”.

Kieran is now the lead singer with the Essence of Ireland band Shanachie.

Éimear Bradley – Violinist and backing vocals

Éimear started playing the violin at the age of seven in her native Belfast. After completing her music degree, she moved to the North West of England to develop her career both as a performer and writer.

In a short space of time, Éimear has built a solid reputation as a brilliant live fiddle player performing regularly with top folk/country band The Bogtrotters throughout the UK and Europe, and has guested with numerous other artists.

Most recently and notably, she performed as part of Adrian Edmondson’s Bad Shepherds during a series of gigs in the Caribbean, before returning to the UK to start work on an album of her own songs and compositions, which should be available later in 2009.

Eimear has also worked with top folk artist Anthony John Clarke on his album and the producer Keith Hopwood (of Herman’s Hermits fame) on the soundtrack to the Bob the Builder movie ‘Built To Be Wild’. More recently she played on the Bob the Builder 2008 Christmas hit, ‘Big Fish Little Fish’!

Éimear made an appearance playing the fiddle in Demi Moore's 2005 movie 'Half Light' and played on the sound track. Eimear is also an actress and played lead role in a BBC Northern Ireland screen play.

Nathan James – Vocals

Nathan discovered his talent for singing when he auditioned for a mass schools concert aged 11 and was chosen to sing solo in front of 2000 people. From that moment on Nathan knew he wanted to perform.

Nathan joined the Berkshire Boys Choir, where he toured all over England and performed at the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall and competed in many competitions. He also toured Germany, Holland and Denmark with the choir in cathedrals and concert halls.

During Nathan’s summer season at the park he appeared on the hit ITV show the X Factor, aged 17 and managed to secure himself a place at boot camp. Nathan did very well at boot camp and got into the last 21 in his category. Nathan was a hit with all of the judges and Simon Cowell described him as ‘a male Joss Stone’.

In September of 2005 Nathan moved to Tenerife and worked as a singer in numerous hotels on the island. 2006 saw Nathan’s return to England.

With the new experiences under his belt he set to work on his own Cabaret show to tour round parks and clubs in the U.K.

Nathan is also one of the main vocalists in the Showproviders sister show “Route 66”, where he tours throughout the UK and Europe.

Liam Holmes – Musical Director/Keyboards/Accordian

Liam has performed since a young age ..boards, as well as drums and bass guitar.

After graduating from Cardiff University with a music degree in 2004 he has embarked on a career in music. He has been fortunate enough to work with a variety of talented performers in a wide array of fields.

Liam also works as a Musical Director and Arranger. This is his second tour with The Essence of Ireland and his fifth stint on the road for The Show Providers.

Jim Hand – Bass Guitar/Vocals

Jim, from Warrington, has played bass guitar in a variety of bands of different styles over many years.

He turned professional in 1996 and has toured constantly in such unlikely countries such as Algeria, Russia and Ukraine along with many TV and radio appearances.

Pete Longden – Banjo

Played folk and country music in my early days, TV appearances, recording and touring with country band Poacher.

Now playing with 7 piece Irish band The Bogtrotters.

Alex Johnson – Guitar/Mandolin

Alex, originally from Bridgewater, Somerset but now living in Manchester, studied music at Manchester University.

He has played with the Boggies for 3 years and is influenced by such diverse talents as Steely Dan and Alison Krauss.

Barrie Cooper – Drums

I've been a pro drummer since I was 20. I've studied & passed grade 8 advanced drums with Trinity College.

I've worked & toured worldwide with Sarah Jory, who is now currently working with Van Morrison. I've also worked & recorded with EMI producer David Mckaiy, Dame Edna Everage, who’s album went Platinum in Australia last year.

I played drums on Bob the Builders latest film, which was released world-wide.

For the past 3 yrs I've been working with Show Providers in numerous shows.

Tim Flaherty – Lead Dep Vocals

Tim was an original member of the popular British country band Poacher who had a billboard chart hit in the USA with Darlin, he has recorded numerous albums including a USA release with Melanie.

Lenny Whitehead – Dep Guitar/mandolin

Len got his first guitar for his 5th Birthday, and quickly took to it. By the age of 8 was performing in front of his schoolmates in school performances. At the age of 12 he played his first paid gig, and at 17 left school to become a full-time professional guitarist.

From that time he has toured the U.K. Europe and the U.S.A. with numerous bands. He has always broadened his options by playing many styles of music: He even passed an audition to join Van Morrison.

Len has played on many recording sessions, for such diverse artists as Ken Dodd, to Bob The Builder, he has even appeared on the silver screen with Demi Moore in a Hollywood Movie playing guitar on the soundtrack as well as appearing in the scene in the film.

Crew

Steve Etherington - Musical Arrangements

Steve trained classically on piano, guitar and tuba. He played at the Edinburgh Festival in 1981. 1982 he joined chart band 'Whisky Mac' on Bass guitar, keyboards and vocals. 1985 he joined 'Triple Cream'.

During the 80's Steve had chart success playing as a session musician on albums for Rose Marie, The Sisters of Mercy and Dave Stewart (Eurythmics). He also made TV appearances on 'Cats Eyes' and 'Call me mister'. Triple Cream became a comedy show band and toured with adult comedian 'Jimmy Jones'; they also came 2nd on Opportunity Knocks.

1989 Steve left Triple Cream to form 'Musik Express'. This large showband still exists today & is very popular on the corporate scene.

Steve has had great success co-writing and producing songs for Childrens TV and theatre shows such as: Postman Pat, The Mr Men, Noddy, Andy Pandy & Bill & Ben. He has also co-written chart songs for the Cheeky Girls and Chico.

In 2003 Steve wrote the score and was MD for a 6 month run of 'Cliff the Musical' at the Prince of Wales theatre in the West End. He has also played on Blood Brothers, Fame, Daddy Cool & We Will Rock You.

In 2004 Steve had chart success again reaching number 4 with 'Grief Never Grows Old' for which he wrote the string arrangements. 2005 Steve co-wrote 'White Wedding' (80's musical) and 'Last train to Skaville' with Mike Bennet (Ex-'The Fall').

In 2007 Steve composed & arranged the haunting original music for The Essence of Ireland. He has also written many arrangements for the 'Route 66' touring show.

Steve is constantly busy and has a long list of 'Clients' who desire his musical supremecy.

Bill White – Stage manager

From an early age I was messing around with light bulbs Progressing to building my first lighting rig when I was 25 years old.

I worked with many local bands around the Midlands, then in 1986 I got my first tour with musical youth around Ireland.

In 1989 I became Stage Manager for The New Kings Cabaret Theatre in Birmingham working with many TV Stars.

In 1996 I went back out on the road and In 2005 joined The Show Providers as a Pyrotechnician. I now design all the pyrotechnics for both the Essence of Ireland & Route 66 Show.

Stuart Barnett – Company Manager

Stuart has worked within the event management industry for over ten years. He has successfully organised shows in the UK and around the World including North America, Central and Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

As Company Manager of Essence of Ireland, Stuart’s role is extremely varied. Predominately though he is responsible for the overall management on the road of the cast, band and crew ensuring they have all they need to perform to their very best.

He enjoys keeping fit, Indian food and is an avid fan of Crystal Palace F.C.

Stuart is delighted to be part of Essence of Ireland – enjoy the show!

John Mills - Managing Director/Producer

John has worked in the light entertainment industry for over 30 years. 20 years ago he was the inaugural producer of “That’11 be the Day”, which averaged over 200 shows per year throughout the UK, Europe and Worldwide. The Show played to sell out performances at the London Palladium.

He also founded Forever in Blue Jeans and West End in Concert. John has also produced shows for many blue chip companies such as Nokia, L’Oreal, MFI, Barclaycard and British Airways to name but a few.

Apart from Route 66, The Showproviders also produces the critically acclaimed and very successful Irish show titled “The Essence of Ireland”, which is touring throughout the UK and Europe this year and next, Red Hot Musicals and Flashback.

Ross Mills - Director

Ross originally came from a Tennis background, where he trained with the likes of Tim Henan and Greg Ruseski, while playing full time on the tennis circuit. His career was ended early following a hip injury.

Having spent 6 years in management for both banking and consultancy, Ross then entered the entertainment industry as a model and actor and has appeared in various campaigns, fashion shows, commercials and music video’s both in the UK and abroad.

Having worked for the Showproviders for 6 years, Ross now runs the sales and production division and is very excited about the future of the Essence of Ireland and their sister show “Route 66”, which is in association with Harley Davidson.

Richard Price-Hughes - Assistant Director

Richard entered the world of entertainment late in life following successful careers initially as a French Horn player in the army and then 12 years in the Leisure Industry, ending as Business Manager of a Tennis, Golf and Fitness club in St Albans.

Switching to the Theatre at the late age of 35, Richard toured with the 'Thank you for the Music' tour for 2 years. Richard has also acted as tour manager for 'The Red Hot Chartbusters' and has assisted with the marketing and promoting of 'Red Hot Country'. More recently he was Sole Promoter/Marketing Manager for The Treadwell Drifters.

The last two years Richard has been running a successful restaurant in his home town Exmouth, Devon. Having missed the buzz and excitement of the entertainment industry, Richard is very much looking forward to The Essence of Ireland tour .

Atlantic Audio – PA

http://www.atlanticaudio.co.uk/
Intelligent Lighting – Lighting

http://www.intelligentlighting.co.uk/

Reviews

Essence of Ireland at Felixstowe, 06/06/09
I went to see the Essence of Ireland at Felixstowe with my mum. We went early and Kieran Cunningham came to see me before the show started. Whilst I was having my dinner I could hear them rehearsing through the closed door, I put a glass to the door to hear better it sounded really good.We went in to find our seats. A very nice lady and man let us swap seats, so I could see better in the front row. The show started and the dancers came on in their lovely clothes. The best dance I thought was when they danced with long sticks, dustbins and dustbin lids it was very noisy but I loved it. I liked Eimear Bradley when she played on her own, her dress was very sparkly. In the interval Nathan James and Liam Holmes signed my programme and my mum brought a cd, she plays it abit too much at home. In the second half Kieran sang a song for me and my mum. He kepted telling me to sing along but I didn't know the words. After the show I had my photo taken with Kieran. I really enjoyed the show and are hoping to go and see it again in the Autumn.

Jonathan, Age 8

The greatest Irish show since Riverdance

Mike Raymond - Theatre Director - BlackFriars

I have just witnessed what I think is the greatest Irish show since RiverDance. The entire show from start to finish is so full energy.

Straight from the off it held the entire theatre spellbound this was one of the best shows of its kind to appear at Blackfriars Theatre and I look forward to welcoming the show back in 2010.

Very well done

Superb Entertainment

Angela Brennan - Exmouth Journal

THE shimmering Essence of Ireland offered a lively blend of the traditional and contemporary at The Exmouth Pavilion on Thursday, April 16.

Energetic music and dance skirted from frantic fiddling, to dramatic dustbin banging; from cheeky cowboys clicking, to jubilant jiggers jumping.

The band and singers reeled the audience in with popular tunes, such as Irish Rover and Galway Girl, leaving them toe-tapping and clapping for more.

Twenty-year-old Nathan James - who appeared on the X Factor three years ago-captivated the crowd with both his powerful and his tear-jerkingperformances. A few members of the audience confessed to crying throughout his rendition of Danny Boy.

Lead male dancer Jamie Meek showed great flair - despite his legs jigging at an incredible speed, his smile and demeanour were that of a man taking a walk in the park. And female dancers, led by Eloise Shutler, moved with such grace and lightness that they appeared to float across the stage.

Colourful costumes - from the flamboyant to the more traditional - constantly adorned the stage and scenes flitted easily between the folk-like to the racy.

My only criticism was that the U2 tunes felt somewhat disjointed to the rest of the show and did not invoke either audience participation or emotion to the same degree as the other acts.

The tempo increased in the second half, culminating with the infamous Lord of the Dance. The crowd greeted the polished and engaging performances with a standing ovation.

It was Much loved by all

Lucinda Dennes - Duty Manager - Exmouth Pavilion

May I congratulate you on the success of The Essence of Ireland, it was much loved by all.

Fabulous

House Manager - Brindley Arts Centre - April 2009

The Show was fabulous and we can't wait to have it back.

Mark Ritchie – The Stage – April 2009

A voice-over extolling the lush green fields, purple mountains, echoes of poets and sad laments of Ireland and the Irish people helps to set the scene for this journey through Irish music and dance.

The show is quite racy in parts, particularly during a well thought out salsa meets Irish dance section.

Singer Nathan James and, in particular, a beautiful and gifted violinist/fiddle player, Eimear Bradley, are integral to painting such a vivid musical portrait.

A great lighting plot and a superb band are both well employed, as every imaginable piece of Ireland, the Irish people and the Irish music is played and danced to.

The split level stage set allows for the pace of the entrances and exits, and there is technical ability to admire amongst the dancers.

While using a live gigging band who work as a separate unit when not touring with this show, the band front man, the engaging and tuneful Kieran Cunningham, could have reached out to an audience which was clearly dying to be involved in some way, with a bit of the old craic.

Aside from the lack of audience contact, here we have a first-class mode of taking a River Dance-style show, putting it in a box and touring it to death.
Essence of Ireland is great for the 500 to 1,000-seat theatres.

The spectacle is certainly of exactly the correct stage proportions, with an extremely well choreographed troupe of boys and girls working hard to give the music its true meaning.

It is said there is never a bad seat in a Matcham house and the full dress circle clapped along merrily in this most wonderful of Frank Matcham houses.

With the addition of a bit more of the old blarney and some humour and audience contact, the Essence of Ireland show will be the complete package for all fans of the emerald isle.

The Marie Anderson School of Dance and Drama Ruislip, Beck Theatre, Middlesex April 1st.

The Essence of Ireland were delighted to be joined by the Marie Anderson School of Dance and Drama from Ruislip, who appeared at the Beck Theatre, Middlesex on April 1st.

Well done to the Marie Anderson Dance School.

Congratulations on a wonderful evening on Sat 21st March

Just a short note to say congratulations on a wonderful evening on Sat 21st March. It was a pleasure to have you all at the Orchard theatre on St Patrick's day week and the jubilant mood and celebration certainly seemed to continue throughout the evening. I wanted to say that not only did the audience thoroughly enjoy the evening but my staff too commented on what a fine show it was, and they are the toughest critics to impress, they didn't even want to come out for their breaks! The programme was very well put together with just the right balance between live music from the gifted group of musicians and the energetic, expert dance from your talented young troop. Everyone's feet were tapping in the auditorium, carried away by the uplifting energy of the night. There was plenty of good humour to the evening too and you brought a very welcome warmth and Irish charm to Dartford. I know that everyone's spirits were lifted in such current gloomy times. Once again thank you and I look forward to seeing you again next year.

David Hillman
House Manager - The Orchard Dartford
Great Review from the Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe 13/03/09

'Essence of Ireland, you go along expecting a Celtic experience and what you get is a 'World' one with Ireland at its core. A great night with a range of Irish music from every era, class musicianship, exhilarating dance and choreography. Sounds fantastic; looks fantastic'.
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Essence of Ireland

Essence of Ireland = Full House + Happy Audience and in this current economic climate - What more could I ask for" A very happy Rod Cameron, General Manager at Ferneham Hall, Fareham.

Skill of the Irish

Who needs to go to the West End when we have amazing shows on our doorstep?

Ferneham Hall has it all! Last night was worth every single penny I paid. What a wonderful mid-week treat.

The Essence of Ireland was a dynamic evening of sheer entertainment. Amazing dancers who had everyone in awe of their unique Irish dancing (and singing I may add). A standing ovation at the end!!

I have attended many shows this year at ferneham Hall, I applaud the management and staff for such wonderful, varied shows throughout the year.

I look forward to many more in the future – and only 15 minutes from home.

Ada Brodie
Harbour Tower
Gosport

Steppin Out Dance School in Blackpool joins cast of the Essence of Ireland in Blackpool (14/10/08)

I just thought I would write to you about a night out I organized for our dance school "The Sue Turner and Nicky Figgins Stage School" to see "The Essence of Ireland" at the North Pier on Tuesday 14th.

I really not to sure as to what to expect from this show, as I had heard nothing about it nor any reviews. As our dance school teaches Irish Dancing I thought it may be a good idea for them to see a proper live Irish show. On the night we were able to meet some of the dancers from the show. They really impressed our dancers with there costumes. The show it self was absolutely amazing. The theatre was overwhelmed with a true live Irish band, singing well known songs that had the audience clapping along. The Irish dancers themselves performed exceptionally with breathtaking choreography. With variations of Irish meets Stomp, Country and more. This is a show i would recommend to any person that loves Irish music and dance. They are back again on 28th October. This to me is a show not to be missed for truly wonderful night out of live music and dance. Pictured are a few of our Irish dance school pupils with cast members who are from Left to right "Susie Parsley ( Choreographer and dancer), Eloise Shutler ( Lead Female dancer ), Jamie Meek ( lead Dancer ) and Rachel Bury ( Dancer ).

John
Webmaster and organizer
The Sue Turner and Nicky Figgins Dance School Online
http://www.steppin-out.org

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The Essence of Ireland was a dynamic evening of sheer entertainment. Amazing dancers who had everyone in awe of their unique Irish dancing (and singing I may add). A standing ovation at the end!! ....

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I have attended many shows this year at ferneham Hall, I applaud the management and staff for such wonderful, varied shows throughout the year. ....

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I look forward to many more in the future – and only 15 minutes from home. ....

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.. ..Ada.. .. Brodie ....

.. ..Harbour.. ..Tower.. .. ....

Gosport ....
Essence of Ireland

Essence of ..:namespace prefix="ST1" /> ..Ireland.. = Full House + Happy Audience and in this current economic climate - What more could I ask for" A very happy Rod Cameron, General Manager at Ferneham Hall, ..Fareham.. .

North Pier, Blackpool 14/10/08

"Hello my name is Catherine, i went to watch essence of ireland at blackpool north pier where i live and thought it was amazing. It was the best irish show i've seen and the choreography was outstanding. The cast were brilliant."

From Bispham village

Jaw Droppingly Good

Elenore Fisher - Cultural Services Manager - Civic Hall - Rotherham. The opening number was "jaw droppingly" good - and the standard didn't appear to falter throughout the performance. The rapport with the audience was excellent and the atmosphere up beat, warm and inclusive. The performers appeared to be really enjoying themselves - and their enthusiasm was infectious. All around me I could see people tapping their feet, clapping and singing along - all of which contributed to a good time had by all.
What a great show
Fan - Civic Hall - Rotherham I went along to the show with my parents - this was a mothers' day treat for my Mum - and we all thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I went home and spread the word to the rest of my family and now they all want to come next time! What a great show and I can't wait to watch it again.
What a show
Hayden Hughes - William Aston Hall - Wrexham What a fantastic show on saturday, simply first class. I look forward to having it back on 2009.
What an excellent show
Malcolm - Fan - Jersey Last night my partner and I went to see the Essence of Ireland in Jersey. What an excellent show! I have already recommended it to my friends in the UK so that thay can see the show when it tours this year. Please thank the cast for an excellent evening, I will certainly hope to see them in Jersey again soon.
A Right Old Song and Dance
Kathryn Lundy - Jersey Evening Post - March 2008. BEAUTIFULLY choreographed,perfectly performed and exceptionally well-received. Last night's performance of the Essence of Ireland, which shows again tonight at the Opera House, was impressive,and made more than the most of some of Ireland's finest talent. With a seven-piece traditional Irish band, a good selection of classic Irish music,modern Irish pop and rock and some fantastic vocals, the musical direction was superb, if not faultless. The dancing, too, was outstanding and despite numerous costume changes and a mish-mash of styles - from the classic Irish stepping to the dustbin lids and sticks - the 18-strong cast performed to exceptional standards. It wasn't what you'd expect from Michael Flatley - although the tour is on its second UK leg with upcoming shows in Asia, China and Singapore, it is not quite yet the world-conquering force that Riverdance was and which has spawned a thousand copies. The Essence of Ireland is, however, much better than a Riverdance copycat and, in fact, offers substantially more in the way of live music. Making use of some of Ireland's finest musicians and dancers, its attempt to carry The Spirit of Ireland - Ireland's first international success story - into a new era, with a blend of traditional Irish music and dance coupled with commercial Irish music of today, is largely successful. Of particular note was a stunning female violinist, with an equally stunning vocal range, an animated banjo player, two excellent principal dancers and a catalogue of good old Irish songs played to perfection. Classics A medley of modern music interspersed with some good classics is played by excellent musicians on whistles, keyboards and guitars with infectious energy and enthusiasm, setting the speed for a fast-moving and dramatic performance. Tell Me Ma, Whisky in the Jar, Dirty Old Town, Cockles and Mussels, Star of the County Down... they were all in there, as well as an upbeat Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (U2), the old Boyzone favourite Picture of You and a medley of tracks by The Corrs. Perhaps the only disappointment was that it took a while for the audience to get going - but come the finale, the cast and crew went out to rapturous applause. Though it is perhaps not one for the Irish connoisseur, it is good fun It is well done and it is one that will, no doubt, be back in Jersey before too long.

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