DANZRegent Theatre
Dunedin
3 December 2025
Reviewed by Kelsi Stringer-Wallace
All photographs supplied by: A Taste of Ireland
The Regent Theatre in Dunedin came alive with A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland; a festive celebration that drew a diverse audience eager for a dose of Christmas ‘craic’. This vibrant holiday performance wove together the magic of a snowy Christmas in Ireland with a heartwarming tale of fate and festive spirit, culminating in the union of two destined lovers.
The stage was graced by a 15-member ensemble, led by demi-soloists Callum O’Neill and Rochelle Hoffman, whose West End and Off-Broadway credentials shone through in their commanding presence on stage. Adding a local touch, two of New Zealand’s own championship dancers joined the cast, elevating the evening with world-class artistry. Mitchell O’Hara delivered a standout performance in his home country performance, showcasing his multiple Top 10 World Championship placings with soaring clicks, impeccable rhythm, and even a headstand that would put some gymnasts to shame! Equally captivating was Keely O’Grady, multi-time New Zealand Champion and 2024 International Rose of Tralee, returning home after a year in Ireland. Her stage-presence and precision added depth to the narrative and authenticity to the Irish spirit.
The show opened with an unseen MC who greeted the audience with a burst of humour, immediately setting the tone for an evening of light-hearted fun - and it certainly delivered on that promise! Act One could only be described as being immersed in an Irish ‘hooley’, with upbeat renditions of Christmas in Killarney and various other Irish tunes and medleys, performed with energy and vocal exclamations from our dance ensemble.
Acapella sections allowed the audience to savor the crisp, accented taps of the dancers, featuring polyrhythmic sequences and playful “call and response” exchanges between leads and ensemble. These moments underscored the technical mastery and creativity of the cast. Lead performer and co-dance captain Callum O’Neill performed complex, clear accented beats and syncopation in his solo acapella phrases, with the rest of the cast (and audience) ‘teasing’ to encourage the phrases to evolve. This certainly impressed and entertained, and was an homage to the acapella performances of Irish dance show trailblazer, Michael Flatley.
Interspersed between dance numbers were lively performances by a musical trio of vocalist Ben Carr, guitarist Rory McLaughlin, and fiddler Orla Flanagan. Their infectious energy and comedic spirit complemented the dancers perfectly, sustaining the festive atmosphere and drawing the audience deeper into the celebration.
The first act closed with a striking performance of Toy Soldiers, marked by elegant costuming and a shift toward a more serious tone. Following intermission, Act Two introduced mature themes as the lovers’ story unfolded, with choreography and music adopting a swing and cabaret flair while retaining Irish roots through clever jig-inspired arrangements of Christmas tunes. To wrap up the evening, no Irish Christmas would be complete without Fairytale of New York, delivered with flair by our musical trio. And, of course, the playful mash-up of 12 Days of Christmas and The Rattling Bog brought the house down with excellent comedy from Ben Carr, leaving the audience in high spirits.
The musicality of the show was a standout, blending traditional Irish folk tunes with festive Christmas melodies and classic pub songs. This seamless fusion created an immersive experience, transporting the audience straight to the heart of Ireland. Crowd interaction was a highlight - performers responded to callouts with humour and spontaneity, keeping the energy high without slipping into cliché.
The ensemble’s technical prowess deserves special mention. Complex rhythms and layered footwork were executed with precision, defying the tendency to simplify steps in large casts in order to maintain uniformity and crisp beats. The power, flexibility and dynamic movement of the performers’ legs captivated the audience, and shone through in both the hard shoe and soft shoe numbers. The result was a performance that honoured tradition and culture, while embracing the evolution and innovation we see in Irish dance today.
A Celtic Christmas was a dazzling showcase of dance, music, and storytelling, blending festive joy with Irish cultural richness. From world-class performers to infectious crowd engagement, it was a night that warmed hearts and set toes tapping - a perfect prelude to the holiday season.
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