Ged Graham’s huge personality and voice embody the spirit of Ronnie Drew and The Dubliners in this warm-hearted and boisterous tribute to one of Ireland’s premier folk groups.
In Seven Drunken Nights, named for their biggest song (despite being banned in Ireland), we meet in the pub where Ronnie, Luke, John, Barney, and Ciarán as they kick-start proceedings.
All your favourite songs are here, from “The Irish Rover” to “Molly Malone”, from “Paddy on the Railway” to “Weile Weile Waila”, from “Finnegan’s Wake” to “Carrickfergus”, from “The Fields of Athenry” to “The Black Velvet Band”.
All 11 members of the group are mentioned, and the influences they brought are highlighted, notably the traditional numbers sung by Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Paddy Reilly, and Jim McCann.
The Dubliners dealt with sadness, too, with Ciarán Bourke and Luke Kelly passing away in the 1980s, and they are duly remembered. Today, only John Sheahan is living from the classic line-up, but the music endures.
Graham assumes the role of narrator in Seven Drunken Nights as well as leading or participating in almost every song. His infectious energy, charisma, and clear love for the music of Ireland, as well as clear command of the audience, shines through.
If you want to tap your feet, clap your hands, or sing your heart out to some true Irish classics, whether you have “A Pint of Plain” in your hand or not, Seven Drunken Nights is just the ticket. Luc Power’s vocals bring Kelly’s social conscience back to life, while Aidan Burke’s fiddle adds fire to the evening.
If I had one small quibble, it would be that the live musicians didn’t really need a pulsing backbeat to some of the songs.
That said, the enthusiasm of the players and the changing backdrops to suggest drinking dens, TV appearances, and old Dublin, set us right there with the group in “The Rare Auld Times”.
5 stars.
Seven Drunken Nights, The Story of The Dubliners, was at the Dominion Theatre as part of its UK tour – tickets here.