Musical play with a host of Kilkenny faces comes to Watergate

The smash hit musical play Are Ya Dancin’? – A Showband Story, comes to Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny for a one-night-only on Saturday, August 24. 

This tale offers a snapshot in time when Ireland was finally starting to find its’ voice and when showband music was the revolutionary language of the people.

Set in 1960’s Donegal, in the golden era of music, the story follows Tommy O’Neill who finds himself at the helm of an up-and-coming showband.  Get ready to join Tommy on his rollercoaster journey and witness the music, magic and glory of the past through the knockout songs of Ireland’s greatest dancehalls.

Featured in the cast are writers/producers Carol Gleeson and Helen Spring in the roles of Mary McDaid and Sarah Harte. Seán MacMathúna dazzles in the lead role as Tommy O’Neill, expertly supported by well-known Kilkenny actor Kevin Reade as Jim Brennan and Bronwyn Andrews as Annie Brennan.

Alongside an array of exceptional Irish talent from around the country, the production also sees the original Paul Mescal (father and namesake of his famous son) tread the boards as disgruntled bar owner Seamie McDaid in what is sure to be a memorable summer’s night out. Kilkenny native and dancer Sinéad Byrne is also a part of the ensemble cast.

The seven-piece band boasts an impressive thirty-plus cast, this theatrical spectacle is steeped in nostalgia and is one of the largest home-grown, original Irish productions to hit the stage for years.

watergatetheatre.com