ALBANY THEATRE COVENTRY. 25TH NOVEMBER 2021.
Like many people, when I hear the words “Fairytale Of New York,” I automatically think of the famous Christmas song and Shane MacGowan and the late and lamented Kirsty MacColl trading insults. It’s always great to catch up for a chat with Ged Graham and when I heard that this was the title of Ged’s latest musical project, I was intrigued to hear more.
Ged explained to me that his concept for the musical involved a combination of Irish music, song, and dance with music and songs more usually associated with Christmas. The whole thing sounded fascinating and so it was with eager anticipation that I set off for the Albany Theatre to see the show.
Having been allocated a great seat near the front of the stage (special thanks are due to Chris, the Duty Manager
and his colleague, Anna, for their kindness and helpfulness in making sure that all was in order for me), I sat back and relaxed. Only for a few minutes. From start to finish, the whole production had me on the edge of my seat, singing and clapping (and eventually, on my feet, dancing). It was amazing to hear some of our most popular Christmas songs given the Irish folk treatment, along with traditional songs and dances from the Emerald Isle. The underlying theme of the musical is the idea of going back to Ireland for Christmas and it varies between a
tasteful sentimentality and a joyful exuberance. Great singing, musicianship, choreography and dancing.
This is a truly excellent musical. It is fresh, original and thoroughly enjoyable and I would recommend that if the opportunity arises, my readers should take the chance to experience it for themselves.
RATING. *****
Colin McIlwaine
