Irish musical history comes alive in Bendigo

THE story of iconic Irish folk group The Dubliners, Seven Drunken Nights, comes to Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre on Friday, July 19.

The show, which will also be performed in Ballarat and Geelong, is part of a world tour which features 20 dates around Australia.

It’s a celebration of The Dubliners’ 50-year career, which began in 1962 and featured Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciarin Bourke and Jim McCann.

Writer/director Ged Graham narrates the show, which includes performances of many of the group’s classic songs such as The Irish Rover, The Leaving of Liverpool, Belle of Belfast City, Dirty Old Town, The Banks of the Rose, Star of the County Down and The Town I Love So Well.

The show is named after one of the band’s hit songs.

In addition to glowing reviews and sellout crowds, Seven Drunken Nights has also been praised by the families of group members.

“It was very nerve-racking meeting relatives of The Dubliners, as I didn’t know how they would react,” Mr Graham says. “But meeting Luke Kelly’s brother, Paddy, early on during the first tour was just brilliant.

“He and his family have been so supportive of the show.

“Likewise, Barney McKenna’s sister came to see the show when we toured Ireland and was very complimentary of how we told the story.”

Mr Graham and his team will perform nearly 300 shows during 42 weeks on the road this year.

“I can’t quite believe it,” he says. “Seven Drunken Nights seems to have touched so many people who have become real fans of the show, reigniting their love of The Dubliners.

“It’s had a massive impact on my life. It truly is a great privilege to bring the music of The Dubliners to the stage every night and keep their legacy alive.”

Tickets are available from the venue and at sevendrunkennightslive.