On what was so far the hottest day of the year, and the highest in many a record book, it feels a tad evil to watch as a group of extremely talented performers bring to the stage one of the most famous and most energetic dance shows to tour. However, arriving now at Milton Keynes Theatre, as part of what is now the still rather immodestly titled 30 Years of Standing Ovations tour,
Lord of the Dance remains full of energy even on the hottest of evenings in Milton Keynes.
I last and first saw Lord of the Dance as part of the 25 Years of Standing Ovations tour, four years ago (yes, the sums don’t quite work), and it was every bit as spectacular as you could imagine this world-famous dance show is. Born into the world from Michael Flatley and the Riverdance spectacular that preceded it, Lord of the Dance is a simple but effective battle between good and evil and the resolution of it through dance rather than fighting.
The dancing here is, as expected, exceptional, led by the Lord of the Dance himself, played with confidence and attitude. The character is every bit still the role laid down by Flatley, a man who doesn’t shy away from confidence himself and attitude, and while the Lord himself is the good guy, it is sometimes difficult to admire him for his relentless drive and huge ego. His dance wins through, though, and eventually charms the audience.
Embodying the evil is The Dark Lord, who stalks the stage with his cohorts, bold colours, and brash attitude in pursuit of the title of Lord of the Dance. As with the Lord of the Dance himself, he encourages the audience to support him and his evil comrades.
The ladies, who might not have the same strength as the men, have a more pleasing, delicate style, and with the good Saoirse becoming a victim of the evil Morrighan, as is the Lord of the Dance himself. Each of the ladies led their own group in stunningly beautiful numbers. Several of the scenes feature violin music and vocal performances by Erin the Goddess, which help to break the scenes. Bridging all the scenes and following the story through is the jovial and charming Little Spirit, who, with the aid of some magical dust and her trusty penny whistle, keeps the path of good ahead of evil.
What is perhaps now disappointing, thirty years after the beginning, is the shows drifting back to the past, driving it down the audience's throats with the talents of the original Lord, Michael Flatley, and on-screen videos of his past dancing, unchanged from the 25-year tour in any way. Perhaps, it is time, after thirty years, to allow the new generation to be the talent, the stars and not have this overbearing “father figure” staring down on the dancers from the video screens. Indeed, this show does not really need these screens, which, with their projections, now feel very dated, another relic of the past.
Lord of the Dance is about dance, and freed from the shackles of Flatley and unnecessary projections, the talented dancers could be released to be free as the Lord himself.
Lord of the Dance is an epic show, perhaps at times too epic for theatres such as Milton Keynes; however, it deserves to be seen at the very least by all whenever you get the chance. It resonates with audiences who have an affinity for dance itself and quickly becomes one of those shows everyone must see at least once.
Still the lord of dance shows after all these years.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance reviewed: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 at the Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes.
The Lord of the Dance runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, 27th June 2026, before continuing its tour.
