The rocky road to Cork
A hugely popular show capturing the magic of Ireland’s legendary folk group, The Dubliners, is coming to Cork next month.
Fresh from a sold-out seven show run in Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, The Dubliners Encore will play Cork Opera House on 6 April.
Created and produced by original Dubliner John Sheahan and his daughter Ceoladh Sheahan, with musical director Phil Coulter, The Dubliners Encore is the official stage show telling the story of Ireland’s most beloved bearded balladeers.
Performing hits like ‘The Wild Rover’, ‘Seven Drunken Nights’, ‘The Black Velvet Band’, ‘Whiskey in the Jar’, and ‘The Irish Rover’, the show is an absolute smash hit, both here in Ireland and across Europe.
“Having spent two years creating a show with dad that authentically captures The Dubliners’ story, the reaction from Irish, UK, and German audiences since the show’s launch has been incredible,” said Ceoladh Sheahan.
“Sold-out shows, standing ovations, and a roller coaster of audience emotions - from tears to laughter and everything in between - has been music to our ears. Audiences want more Irish dates, in more locations, so we are delighted to bring the show back home this April.”
A member of the band for 50 years, John Sheehan has been working behind the scenes to create a show that does justice to his former band mates, personally overseeing every detail, every anecdote, and every musical note. After a two-year nationwide search, five incredible musicians were handpicked to recreate the spirit, energy, and musical talent of each original band member. Narrated by Irish singer and tv host Imelda May and featuring their biggest hits and best-loved songs, The Dubliners Encore recaptures the band performing in their heyday, packing 50 years of songs, stories, and craic into one unforgettable night.
Imelda May said: “The musicianship of the band representing The Dubliners is incredible. It's classy, emotive, informative, an impressive night of music, great film footage ,and incredible stories.”
With a well-earned reputation of being the bad boys of Irish folk, The Dubliners put Ireland on the world stage, releasing 30 original albums, selling 40 million records, and playing sold-out tours in a musical odyssey lasting 50 years.
John Sheahan and his late great bandmates Luke Kelly, Ronnie Drew, Barney McKenna, and Ciarán Bourke, caught the imagination, playing Irish traditional music in a way never heard before, with an attitude never seen before. They revolutionised Irish music, taking it from the parlour and the pub to the world stage, leaving a legacy that helped transform Ireland and Irish music forever.