All the best bits of a traditional ceilidh - dancing, drinks, musicianship, and community - a joyous and unique production that brings people together. Rating
Unmissable!
The difference between a four and five-star review is, for me, the way a show makes me feel as I leave the venue. Ceilidh The Musical had me leaving Shoreditch Town Hall full of warmth and hope, having spent the evening dancing, laughing, and marvelling at the talent of this cast. I arrived on my own, but not once did I feel alone in the welcoming space that had been created, and I left having partnered with new friends and feeling part of a unique experience.
Scott Gilmour plays ‘Ramsey’, the narrator of the show, who, much like the ‘caller’ of a ceilidh, teaches the dance steps, ensures the evening moves along, and gets everyone involved. They proclaim Shoreditch the ‘Scotland of East London,’ and the set design by Rachel Hauck has certainly transformed the space into a beautiful representation of some of the best of Scotland. There are gorgeous tartans, kilts and sporrans, whisky and haggis for the audience, and beautiful renditions of traditional dances including ‘Strip the Willow’ and ‘St. Bernard’s Waltz’, as well as a version of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, the song traditionally sung at midnight on Hogmanay, bringing the entire venue together as one community.
The actor-musicianship on display throughout this performance is particularly impressive, with a live band and actor-muso performers skillfully playing the bagpipes, fiddle, whistle, drum, and accordion, amongst others. Each individual member of the cast brings their own joy and warmth to this ensemble piece, interacting and engaging with the audience throughout the evening, guiding them through each dance, and creating a festive, wholesome atmosphere.
This uplifting production is brought directly from Alan Cummings’ inaugural season at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. The heartfelt story and beautiful songs, written by award-winning Scottish duo Gilmour and Claire McKenzie, alongside the superb direction from Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, create something truly special. It is a triumph of a show that champions everything we love most about music and dancing: family, friendship, community, and the sharing of traditions and storytelling. It is only playing at this London venue for a further two weeks before embarking on a tour, and if you have the opportunity to see, and take part in, this production, it will be one of the most enjoyable evenings you could hope for. For those who are keener to soak up the atmosphere and observe, the balcony seats provide a brilliant vantage point of the dances and story, and for those who would prefer to be fully immersed in the ceilidh, near the bar and up on the floor dancing, the stall seats offer a welcoming viewpoint. Wherever you sit, the cast make a real effort to include everyone and make sure all are comfortable and involved should they wish to be.
Ceilidh The Musical is, I think, my favourite production of this year so far! Its talented cast portrays the story of a family teaching the art of ‘calling’ a ceilidh and passing the baton to the next generation beautifully. It has the perfect balance between narrative and audience participation in traditional ceilidh dances. It was a joy and a privilege to get to experience this live, and I hope as many people as possible get to enjoy the magic and joy of this show as it goes on tour. A beautiful, community-filled production!
Book, Music and Lyrics by Scott Gilmour & Claire McKenzie
Direction and Choreography by Sam Pinkleton
Set Design by Rachel Hauck
Costume Design by Sarah Laux
Lighting Design by Isabella Byrd
Sound Design by Danny Erdberg and Ursula Kwong-Brown
Orchestrations by Claire McKenzie
Music Supervision by Kris Kukul
Ceilidh The Musical plays at Shoreditch Town Hall until Friday 13 November 2026 before embarking on a tour.
