www.theroyal.ie

One of the most colourful characters in the world of entertainment, Michael Flatley, is to visit the Royal Castlebar Theatre and Event Centre to promote Lord of the Dance, which is scheduled to take place from Saturday 3rd – Thursday 8th January.

Michael’s dancing career began when he toured with Green Fields of America between 1978-79. He later toured with the legendary Chieftains, but it was his performance of Riverdance during the intermission of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest that propelled him into the limelight as one of the most talented dancers of his generation. The performance of Riverdance unquestionably stole the show after which Flatley, and co-creator and fellow lead dancer, Jean Butler, began an extensive tour, which received rave reviews all over the world! The County of Mayo featured heavily in what was to become a life-changing experience for Michael. The roots of what became the Riverdance phenomenon can be found in the Mayo 5000 celebrations of 1993. Mayo 5000 was an initiative from Mayo County Council to celebrate the opening of the visitors’ centre at Ceide Fields archaeological site and saw a huge concert take place in the National Concert Hall, Dublin. The show was produced by Moya Doherty and John McColgan and included a new musical work by composer Bill Whelan, called ‘Spirit of Mayo’. It also starred Irish dancers Jean Butler, Colin Dunne and a certain Michael Flatley. The team was reunited a few months later and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I have heard great things about the venue in Castlebar and I know that I am going to be hugely impressed when I see the world-class new facility with my own eyes” said Michael of the Royal Theatre. “It’s a huge step forward for the people of Connaught as it means that elite shows and events such as ours can be brought to their doorstep. Prior to the opening of the new Royal Castlebar, it was just not an option for us to travel to the west of the Shannon” added Michael.

The Royal Castlebar Theatre & Event Centre is the largest event venue outside the 02 Arena in Dublin, with an event capacity of over 4,000. It has an impressive programme for the coming months and is jam-packed with a number of Irish and internationally renowned artists and productions including Here & Now Show – featuring Stars from the 1980’s including Paul Young, Bananarama, Belinda Carlisle, Bucks Fizz, T’Pau and Cutting Crew on Friday 2nd January, Nanci Griffith on Friday 6th Feb and Pat Shortt from Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th March to list but a few. It was opened in conjunction with the Days Harlequin Hotel Castlebar and is conveniently located in the same complex making a trip to Castlebar even more special for visitors.

Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.ie as well as from the Royal Theatre Box Office on 0818 300 000. Tickets are €44.00 Adults, €28.00 Children and €50.00 Premium Tickets, incl. booking fee, other service charges may apply. For further information please check the Royal Theatre website on: www.theroyal.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie