★★★★☆ To see a revered and ancient tradition bursting, refreshed and unapologetic into the present day is something to behold. Riverdance, the interval entertainment at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Eire, was in that respect phenomenal. The subsequent show, which was an expanded version of that seven minute piece, was a phenomenon, touring the world and breaking records as it went.

★★★☆☆ A synopsis would read like a Shakespearean tragedy. Twin brothers are separated shortly after birth because their single mum, Mrs Johnstone, is struggling to provide for an already large family, and her employer, the wealthy Mrs Lyons, sees an opportunity to gain the baby she cannot have herself. A pact of secrecy is sworn between them.

★★★★★ As well as sweeping us up with Puccini’s glorious melodies throughout this performance, the singers’ understated body language always gave their performances plausibility. This was a memorable night at the Hippodrome – there were cries and roars of approval, and no doubt a few tears, at the final curtain.