As Melbourne recovers from a rambunctious St Patrick's Day, there's one event that promises to transport you to the heart of Ireland (without those pesky green beer side effects the next day).
Welcome to the magical world of Riverdance; a timeless and iconic celebration of Irish music, dance, and culture that has captivated the hearts of Australians for a quarter of a century.
As it embarks on its 25th Anniversary tour, performing 11 shows across Australia in April, prepare for an unforgettable experience that will leave you toe-tapping long after the festivities have ended.
Riverdance in Australia
- Tue 2 Apr 2024 – RAC Arena, WA
- Sat 6 Apr to Mon 8 Apr 2024 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne, VIC
- Wed 10 Apr to Thu 11 Apr 2024 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD
- Sat 13 Apr t0 Sun 14 Apr 2024 – ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Why is Riverdance so iconic?
In 1994, Riverdance was born on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest and quickly became a global phenomenon. Riverdance fever swept around the world and Australia was not immune. By 1997 when it first graced our shores, the fandom was palpable. By the queues of people forming outside box offices around the country, camping out overnight for tickets, you’d be excused for thinking the Beatles had reunited.
A 25th anniversary to remember
Despite a long absence from Australia, its popularity has not waned; several extra shows have been added to cope with the overwhelming demand. The 25th Anniversary is guaranteed to deliver a bold new take on the show that has enthralled Australian audiences for decades.
Composer, Bill Whelan’s Grammy Award-winning score still serves as the heartbeat of the show, intertwining seamlessly with the electrifying energy and passion of the dancers, but producer, Moya Doherty and director, John McColgan have breathed new life into Riverdance with cutting-edge lighting, spectacular visuals and stage designs that will take your breath away.
More than a performance
Of course, Riverdance is famed for its soul-stirring rhythms, spine-tingling vocals and unbelievable footwork, but the true power of the show lies in its unique fusion of dance, music, culture and storytelling. To describe Riverdance as a mere dance performance would be to drastically undersell it; it is a vibrant tapestry that tells the story of the Irish people and their diaspora, showcasing their resilience, creativity, and cultural legacy.
The show’s evolution over the years mirrors the journey of the Irish people, as they forged new connections and blended their heritage with that of other cultures. From New York tap, to Flamenco and traditional Russian dance, Riverdance celebrates the spirit of collaboration and exchange, highlighting the ways in which music and dance serve as universal languages that bridge divides and foster understanding. Riverdance manages to stay true to its Celtic roots while embracing the future with open arms.
More than 30 million attendees
Between 1997 and 2012, Riverdance sold a staggering 830,000 tickets in Australia alone. Since its debut in Dublin in 1995, the show has been performed over 15,000 times, to audiences of more than 30 million people, across 49 countries and 6 continents. Its Grammy Award-winning album has sold over 3 million copies, while its DVDs have sold over 10 million units, but it’s not only audiences that have been won over by the show.
It has been lauded by critics, being described as “a phenomenon of historic proportions” and “one of the most entertaining shows you will ever see”. It is an undeniable and unparalleled cultural sensation and the critically acclaimed 25th Anniversary show is no exception. Since 2020, it has enjoyed sold out seasons in North America, the UK, Europe and Dubai and is set to wow Australian audiences with this reimagined show for the very first time.
The perfect family activity
From Dublin to Melbourne, with many stops in between, Riverdance continues to delight audiences with its timeless appeal and unmatched artistry. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or seeing Riverdance for the first time, make sure you get tickets to experience the latest incarnation of this extraordinary show at Margaret Court Arena on April 6, 7 and 8.
Get tickets to all shows here while they last.
This article was made in partnership with Riverdance.
