THE 20th anniversary revival of ‘Riverdance’ will herald Limerick as Ireland’s first City of Culture when it stages six shows at University of Limerick’s Sports Arena from January 16.
Created by Limerick’s own Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, the award-winning dance extravaganza seems certain to attract full houses of 2,500 for each of the six shows, bringing its total Limerick audience to 15,000 before moving on internationally for six months.
It is the world’s most successful ever dance show, seen by 23 million people.
The media launch for the Limerick performances took place on Monday November 18 at Culture House, No. 2 Perry Square, attended by Moya Doherty and Bill Whelan, who is a member of the City of Culture committee.
“When I was growing up in Limerick I used to dream about making music my life. I could never have imagined that one day I would be bringing a show which had spent 20 years touring the world back to my birthplace,”, Whelan told the launch party.
“To do so as a celebration of Limerick as the 2014 National City of Culture has made that dream even more special.
“I am delighted to see Riverdance finally on stage on the banks of the Shannon and I am so proud as a Limerick man to have been part of its creation.”
City of Culture chief executive Patricia Ryan expressed her delight in having Riverdance as the flagship event.
“Not only are we getting enquiries from all over the country, but there is also a lot of interest from the UK and further afield. The strong connection between Bill and Limerick seems to have resonated with many people,” she said.
