Review: Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance at Sunderland Empire

Invited: Review by Joanna Andrews 09 September 2026

I have loved Lord of the Dance for as long as I can remember. It is one of my favourite things to watch on repeat, so I was absolutely thrilled to finally see it live – and what an exciting, mesmerising show it was from start to finish.

Directed and choreographed by Michael Flatley, this 30th anniversary tour brings all the spectacle, precision and unmistakable showmanship audiences have come to expect from Lord of the Dance. The story itself is wonderfully accessible, with elements that feel almost theatrical – even pantomime-like at times – as the Dark Lord battles the Lord of the Dance for his prized belt.

The show begins with the Little Spirit, played by the amazing Evia Hayter, who awakens the dancers and guides us through the story. She provides moments of joy and laughter throughout the performance, and we really connect with her character as the evening unfolds. Alongside the personality she brings to the role, her dancing is absolutely stunning.

Cleo Griffin, in the role of the Goddess, is another fabulous female performer who helps guide us through the evening. Her vocals are stunning every time she appears on stage. And her first costume – oh my goodness! Silver sequins for days. I nearly died when I saw it; it was so beautiful.

At the centre of it all is the Lord of the Dance, played last night by Lucas Lawton with exceptional aplomb and all the showmanship we have come to expect from the role. He is stepping into some enormous shoes with Michael Flatley as his predecessor – and he doesn’t half fill them.

Lawton is electric on stage: full of energy and able to get the audience going in exactly the way Flatley always did. He is with the dancers and very much part of the company, while simultaneously leading them. The energy between the cast is palpable; they are working together the whole time, and that dynamic makes the performance even more electric.

The dance itself is executed with the rhythmic perfection you would expect from Lord of the Dance. Complex steps and up-to-date choreography are intertwined with classic Irish dancing and characterful movement. At times they are moving so fast that your eyes simply don’t know where to land.

The lighting is used beautifully to tell the story, punctuating the moments where the narrative needs it most. It is clear that every element of this production has been carefully thought through. The whole show feels as though it has been created and maintained with genuine love and care.

The Dark Lord brings a slightly different style of choreography: punchier, heavier and driven by power. It provides a strong contrast to the Lord of the Dance, whose movement has a wonderful grace while maintaining the masculinity for which the character has become famed. The story is clear and easy to follow, with the dances complementing the overall narrative while still delivering a visual spectacular.

The two violinists provide some excellent musical moments too. Clad in some of the most fantastic costumes I have ever seen – with stunning footwear that made me very jealous – their violin playing is off the charts. The way they move around the stage while never missing a note is hugely impressive.

Overall, Lord of the Dance is absolutely worth the watch. I am so thrilled I finally had the opportunity to see it live, and if you get the chance, you should go and see it too.

A big shout-out, as always, to Sunderland Empire for the excellent hospitality.