REVIEW: Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games at MK Theatre

Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games at MK Theatre

4th April 2017

 

Having only seen bits of River Dance when the show originally became famous, I was wondering how they would fill two hours with Irish dancing without the audience getting bored or the show becoming a bit repetitive.

The basic story of Dangerous Games is a tale of good versus evil. The Lord of the Dance represents all things good but has to fight against the evil Dark Lord and his Dark Disciples. This story telling seemed to be lacking in the first half of the show, which consisted of several dance scenes that didn’t appear to link together apart from the Little Spirit character that would appear now and again. There were also a couple of bits of singing, but again, these didn’t seem to fit in with the rest of it. The second half was better and seemed to tell much more of a story and it was easier to follow each dance act as they flowed together.

Despite the confused story telling, the performances from each character were very good and exactly what you’d expect from a Michael Flatley show with plenty of dancing and variations on the classic River Dance theme which kept the attention of the audience throughout.

The stage had no decoration, however a large screen filled the back of the stage and the images being projected onto this changed with each dance scene. Although the visuals looked dated, it gave more atmosphere and effect and portrayed the mood of the dances well.

Overall, a bit of a confusing start but it redeemed itself in the end.

On at Milton Keynes Theatre until Sunday 9th April. Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

REVIEW: Lord of the Dance - Dangerous Games at MK Theatre

An electric atmosphere, but maybe needs a little updating 

FUTURISTIC: Lord of the Dance - Dangerous Games is at MK Theatre until Saturday, April 25th. 

An offshoot of the Michael Flatley-famous Lord of the Dance brand, the Dangerous Games production at MK Theatre has been directed by the iconic dancer. Don't expect him to make any appearances though (he's more of a hologram), but lead dancer Morgan Comer is more than up to the job. 

I loved the fantastic energy and skill shown by the dancers, especially Comer who held the show together by engaging with the audience. Surely Irish dancing must be one of the most technical skills to learn? The digitalised backcloth enhanced the impressive dancing on stage too. 

There wasn't much of a storyline, more a series of dances loosely connected, but then that's what everyone is there for anyway. The classic stereotypes of goodie versus baddie were there, but it was a little concerning to see a woman forcibly taken - surely damsels in distress is old hat now?  

However, I was a little unsure of the Barbie-esque nature of the women, with their long flowing locks, fixed smiles and all round glamour, but then maybe I'm just a little jealous?

Personally, a tribute to the dancing's Irish roots would have been appreciated, but then this is for a newer audience. There are even cyber soldiers, even if they were a bit incongruous. The encore had the audience on its feet clapping and cheering, a return to its Lord of the Dance roots. The atmosphere was electric. 

Until Saturday. 

DEBBIE HALL