Michael Flatley's 'Lord Of The Dance' promises high-voltage entertainment with its latest incarnation, 'Dangerous Games’.
After a sell-out season in London’s West End, the most successful dance-show in the world touches down in major Australian cities in September and October, as part of an extensive tour of 15 countries.
Directed and choreographed by the Lord Of The Dance himself, the show’s original score was composed by Gerard Fahy. With the addition of world champion acrobats, dancing robots, holographs, and of course, 34 of the world's greatest Irish Dancers; audiences can expect a multi-sensory extravaganza.
Tom Cunningham © Brian DohertyPrincipal dancer who dances as the bad guy, Tom Cunningham, who has toured with Lord Of The Dance since 1997 takes us behind the scenes:
What is the narrative concept behind 'Dangerous Games'?
'Dangerous Games' is a sort of continuation of the original 'Lord Of The Dance' story. The dark side has taken control of the realm but 'the little spirit' returns with a young 'Lord Of The Dance'. The epic battle between good and evil resumes!
You've been with 'Lord Of Dance' since the age of 18 – what would you imagine yourself doing now if you hadn't joined the troupe?
To be honest, this show has been such a huge part of my life that it is very hard for me to imagine doing anything else. Right before I joined 'Lord Of The Dance' I had been accepted to study for a science degree at a University in Dublin. So perhaps I would be in a white coat working in a lab somewhere!?
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Which is your favourite city to perform in and why?
Dublin, no doubt. The crowd are always amazing and I usually have family and friends in the audience. Dublin is where it all started for 'Lord Of The Dance' and it always feels like a home coming.
While on a busy touring schedule, what is your go-to 'pump-up' song?
Probably 'Greyhound' by Swedish House Mafia – it has a slow build up but when the beat drops it really gets you fired up!
What are you looking forward to doing most in your free-time, while on tour in Australia?
Every stereotypically touristy thing that I can do! I want to get a picture at Sydney Opera House, hold a koala, see a kangaroo and buy a boomerang. I can't wait!
You met your wife on tour with 'Lord Of The Dance' – is it important that you get to tour together?
There is no way that I would be touring for so long without her by my side, but we love what we do and we feel very privileged to be able to tour the world together, doing something that we both love and enjoy.
Where will you be likely to spend your next holiday and why?
Anywhere with warm sunshine, cold cocktails and a beautiful sandy beach! A long tour can take its toll on the body and mind, so it is important to recharge the batteries every once in a while.
If you have children, would you encourage them to start Irish dancing?Absolutely. It promotes discipline, fitness and rhythm. It is also great fun and a very sociable hobby.
What is the best advice Michael Flatley has ever given you?
Michael always has a few wise words to inspire the people around him but I would have to say that the most important lesson I have learned from him over the years is the value of hard work and dedication.
The most dangerous game you've ever played is...I really shouldn't be admitting this but I once tried to go drink for drink on a night out with the gang in our wardrobe department. Bad Idea. They drank me under the table! Luckily we had the next day off so I could recover.
Lord Of The Dance Tour Dates
15-20 September – Crown Theatre (Perth)23-27 September – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
29 September - 4 October – Arts Centre Melbourne
6-11 October – Canberra Theatre
13-16 October – Concert Hall QPAC (Brisbane)
17-18 October – Jupiter's Hotel & Casino (Gold Coast)
20-25 October – Capitol Theatre (Sydney)
