Irish dancing is not often something associated with the North East – however one dance school has wowed audiences across the globe with their impressive moves.
Gearing up to perform Emerald Isle next week at the Whitley Bay Playhouse on March 5, before setting off on an international tour, ChronicleLive caught up with the dancers during rehearsals.
Chris Hannon, executive producer and director of Legacy Entertainment group explained how the dance group rooted in the North East has captivated audiences across the world.
Three generations in the making, Hannon Murphy School of Dance was first set up by Chris’ grandmother Patricia in 1957 who led sessions with his mother, Kathleen.
Chris who takes great pride in continuing the tradition his grandmother created, said he “started his dancing career late aged eight years old. At 16 years old I joined Lord of the Dance where I performed for 14 years before then joining the dance school myself.”
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
In 2013, Chris then created Murphy’s Legacy – which accidently came about by raising funds for costumes for the dance school – but led to a sell out armature production performing across five North East theatres.
From there the stage was set for further development, and a sell out show at the Glasshouse, formally known as the Sage in Gateshead in 2015 confirmed a growing audiences approval.
On the back of this success, Murphy’s Legacy went on to perform globally, selling out tours in Europe, the Middle East, a debut on MSC cruises and even securing contracts for North America.
The Emerald Isle show – a celebration of Irish music, song and dance – was then created for hotel resorts in Cyprus, and quickly became a huge audience success. The joyful celebration of Irish music, song and dance promises an unforgettable evening that showcases the very best of Irish heritage.
Since retiring from dancing himself in 2022, Chris who has continued to choreograph adds its been really exciting seeing rehearsals come together ahead of next week’s show debut at Whitley Bay Playhouse.
“It’s very much a North East made up group. The music is composed at loft music studios in Newcastle and the Dance school is in Blaydon. The performance is 12 months in the making, made up of 15 dancers, with three back up singers also set to join in as well as musicians at the weekend.”
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Sofia Martin, 19, from Ryton, who has been dancing since she was four years old, is set to lead the dance alongside Lucas Lawton, the current Lord of the Dance lead.
Sofia said: “I was a pupil at the Kelly Hendry Irish Dance School in Blaydon, who began at Hannon Murphy. I joined the cast in 2024 where we toured in Germany. I’m really excited to be performing so close to home. All my family, friends and former dance school will be in attendance next week to show their support and cheer me on.”
Lucas, 31, who is from Montreal, Canada, and has been dancing over 25 years added: “Its a real full circle moment. My first show with Legacy was in 2015 and to now be back leading the group is a great honour.”
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
After next week’s performance the group will then be split into two – with Sofia heading off to Ireland and then onto New York in America, as Lucas heads to the MSC cruise around Australia.
Chris added: “The dancers will be guests on board the ship and will perform on St Paddy’s day. Alongside the tour they will even lead workshops teaching Irish dance to passengers which is always great fun.”
Audiences can expect to be wowed from a night of full of thrilling performances celebrating the best of Irish music and dance. Filled with joy and passion, the show encompasses a blend of both traditional and contemporary elements to fully immerse viewers into the vibrant and rich Irish culture.
Tickets for Wednesday night’s show at the Whitley Bay Playhouse can be bought here.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-news/newcastle-based-irish-dancing-group-31084211
