Seven Drunken Nights : The Story of the Dubliners
If you have a love for Irish folk music and cherish the legendary tunes of The Dubliners, then ‘Seven Drunken Nights’ promises you a riveting evening with storytelling. The show commences with the vibrant “No Ney Never” and concludes with “Molly Malone,” followed by an energetic encore.
The ensemble, a blend of actor/musicians, captivates the audience, who eagerly participate through singing and clapping to almost every tune. The stage is cleverly set to mimic a pub, a nod to the anecdotal origins of The Dubliners, where much of their early music and camaraderie came about. Additionally, a portion of the stage is transformed into a recording studio, complete with a reel-to-reel machine, adding a touch of authentic vintage to the musical journey.
Described by one audience member as “the grandad of Choir of Man,” the show’s setting in a pub with intermittent chats gives it a warmly familiar Irish flavour. However, the format can be slightly confusing as the cast swap between playing their characters and being themselves, compounded by announcements that intermittently welcome them as either the cast or “Seven Drunken Nights.”
The musical numbers are interrupted with short narrations that provide just enough time for a brief respite before the next number. Although these narrations touch on the band’s controversial ban from RTE, they intriguingly omit the reasons, leaving the less informed audience curious.
The progression through the band’s timeline includes the deaths of original members, which, intended to be sombre, unfortunately leans towards the comical due to the manner of delivery, listing one after another followed by how easily they were replaced. The addition of one supporting character, the barman, felt more than unnecessary.
Despite the chronological timeline, which might benefit from culminating with the upbeat “Tell Me Ma” for a more impactful finale, the show is undeniably a celebration of The Dubliners’ enduring legacy. Attend Seven Drunken Nights for an evening of unbridled craic and immortal Irish tunes that are sure to stir your soul.
This show was reviewed on the 23rd March 2025 at the Dominion Theatre, London. For more information on the show please visit: Seven Drunken Nights | The Story of the Dubliners
Review written by Valentine Gale-Sides
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Photo credit : Prestige Productions
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