To celebrate ten years of touring, the cast of Seven Drunken Nights launched a new production about the well-known Irish band, The Dubliners. Written and narrated by principal vocalist Ged Graham, the story takes the audience on a journey through the band's 50-year evolution from playing in pubs to becoming international superstars. The Seven Drunken Nights cast play through the Irish band's classics, such as Whiskey in the Jar, The Irish Rover, and Rocky Road to Dublin, bringing the audience to their feet and breaking out in song on many occasions. At times, it was very hard to say if it was a play or a full-blown concert.
Audience members are welcomed to a stage depicting O'Donoghue's pub, where the band's career started, accompanied by a recording studio, resembling an anticipated change from rags to fame. The lights go down and the setup of the show begins, a cheeky vintage advert celebrating an Irish product, followed by a few hits from The Dubliners played by the talented Seven Drunken Nights cast. After inviting the audience to clap along until their hands become sore, the cast sit down and share some interesting facts about The Dubliners, the lights go down, and the cycle starts again. Although this is a repetitive set-up and a two-dimensional approach to introduce characters or members of the band, it seems that it was comforting to audience members, creating an authentic glow and a sense of warmth throughout the New Wimbledon Theatre.
The Seven Drunken Nights cast shows multiple levels of skill in musicality, band chemistry and comic timing. The first voice the audience hears is from the tenor Luc Power. His folksy vibrato, accompanied by a wide vocal range, gives power to the six-member band. Each of the cast members shares a moment in the spotlight, where each of their talents shine through as musicians and vocalists. Audience members enjoy a variety of solos from banjos (Aidan Keane and Peet Jackson), fiddles (Aidan Burke) and whistles (Connor Kenny). Ged keeps the audience drawn in with his talent for storytelling and heartfelt ballads.
Overall, the authentic nature of the cast brought the audience to their feet. It sets a relaxing atmosphere for people to let down their hair and dance the night away. If the cast's objective is to turn each venue they visit into one giant pub, then it is a resounding success. Apart from a bit more character immersion, the production offers a very enjoyable concert for a variety of ages, bursting with Irish pride.
Review: Ramsey Baghdadi Photo: Prestige Production