Seven Drunken Nights is a homage to Irish folk band, The Dubliners; it is not a tribute show it is a celebration of Irish folk music, written and narrated by Ged Graham and performed with an ensemble of multi-talented musicians who share banter, homage and tribute to the famous Irish band.
This show tells the story of the
journey of the legendary band The Dubliners, the world famous folk group whose
career spanned 50 years and the local community were excited to start hearing
their story and join in with the songs being performed.
The stage set depicted legendary
Dublin pub O’Donoghue’s, displaying a bar where The Dubliner’s story began. The
pub setting was decorated with ornaments on the bar and the shelves often seen
in Irish pubs added a layer of authenticity, and the setting was complete with pint
glasses flowing with Guinness for the musicians plus a barman serving it and tables
with stools for the players to perform on. Narrator, Ged Graham invited the
audience into the bar as the show unfolded and the atmosphere was warm and
inviting which made it feel as though we were in the pub with them.
The use of projection of archival
footage and images immersing the audience in the band's history was an extra
bonus.
Narrator Ged Graham invited the
audience to join in his 76th birthday eve celebrations and to join
in the singing and encouraged clapping.
The band worked well together, their relationship and camaraderie shining
through. Each one brought to life the music reinforcing the moving, warm, amusing
and entertaining stories; the band consisted of Ged Graham (guitar, banjo,
vocals), Peet Jackson (guitar, vocals), Luc Power (guitar, vocals), Aidan Burke
(fiddle), Conar Kenny (banjo, vocals), the barman was Dylan Graham.
The Dubliners have had many
changes in line-up over the years; they started out as The Ronnie Drew Ballad
Group but changing it to The Dubliners naming it after the James Joyce book ‘
Dubliners’ plus as all the band members were indeed from the town, it seemed appropriate.
The show relies heavily on the
music and there were many familiar Irish songs incorporated; the audience were
on their feet singing and clapping during the finale.
This reviewer was seated in Row W
right at the back of the theatre, next to the sound technician and at times it
was difficult to hear the actors and at times make out what they were saying. This was a shame as much of the narrative was
missed.
The show continues its tour around the UK and Ireland and
Europe for the rest of the year.
More details and ticket information can be found here https://musicalsontour.co.uk/seven-drunken-nights-the-story-of-the-dubliners-tour/
Reviewer: Anne Horne
On: 20th May 2026
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