I was quite excited to attend this festive sold-out production. Going into Fairytale of New York, I had little idea about what I would be watching. I was aware of its namesake, the song by The Pogues, so I knew it would most likely be an Irish Christmas production. But my expectations were practically non-existent.
Fairytale of New YorkUnfamiliar with this Christmas show format, I was not aware there was very little substance to any kind of plot present. It could be characterized simply as a themed festive sing-along production. When I adjusted to this idea, I found myself able to enjoy it.
The Irish style of dancing, performed mainly by the wonderful ensemble dancers, (Louisa Clark, Ella Brown, Meaghan Maeve McHugh, Clare Kerr, and Maddie Hayes) was impressive and entertaining. Some songs that were performed in the “sing-along” style were unfamiliar to me but were still interesting when they were accompanied by the fiddle, played by Méabh Kennedy. And also, I laughed quite a bit at the friendly jeers exchanged between the male leads (Ged Graham, Danny Muldoon, Adam Evans). The songs I did know I enjoyed belting out loudly and clapping along with everyone else in the crowd.
The central theme of returning from afar for an Irish Christmas was clear and heartwarming. And I could see many people in the audience resonating with this. There were groups singing along together in the audience and Christmas-time togetherness shone through. Even though I didn’t have this same connection to the material it was heartwarming to see people interacting with each other through the crowd and feeling interconnected.
Fairytale of New York is a grand time if you are prepared to watch some brilliant Irish dancing and Christmas song singing. Just be aware that this is a performance that you will need quite a bit of energy for, as you will want to be singing and clapping along to the songs you know, and there’s a risk of losing interest if there are many songs, you’re unfamiliar with. It’s a great celebration of Christmas, and Ireland, which reminded me of that Christmas cheer I felt as a child.
Review by Elisabeth Beer
Direct from the West End and after a phenomenal sell-out debut tour, Fairytale of New York is back with an even bigger production for 2022, it’s the ultimate feel-good Irish-inspired Christmas show.
From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights-The Story of The Dubliners and featuring an international cast of singers, musicians and dancers Fairytale of New York brings you all of your favourite Christmas songs including Driving home for Christmas, White Christmas, Oh Holy Night, Winter’s Tale, Silent Night and of course The Fairytale of New York.
… and just when you think the party couldn’t get any better, this world class show also features some of the greatest Irish sing-a-long songs of all time including The Galway Girl, The Irish Rover, Wagon Wheel, Danny Boy, Dirty Old Town and The Black Velvet Band this magical Irish-inspired Christmas.
6th December 2022
https://lwtheatres.co.uk/