Review: Emerald Storm (Emerald Theatre)

Review by Valentine Fauste-Gay

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

London’s newest venue, the recently-reopened Emerald Theatre, welcomes a well-matched new production with Emerald Storm, co-directed by Adam Garcia, Samantha Heather, and Tim Newman. A former music hall, the venue’s striking mix of historic charm and contemporary design make it the perfect home for this production, in fact nowhere else could be more fitting. In London for just five nights, Emerald Storm is a perfect fusion of tradition and modernity.

The show runs at a packed 105 minutes (interval included), delivering a feast of Irish tap dancing. Audiences are treated to both traditional numbers, and modern interpretations set to contemporary tracks. Adding to the magic is powerhouse vocalist Tom Ball, whose powerful voice is supported by a choir of eight superb singers. Bringing humour and character to the stage are Adam Brant as “Mop Bov” and Robbie Browning as the “Assistant Weekend Manager”, two scene-stealers who not only keep the comedy flowing but also dazzle with their singing and dancing skills.

When stepping into the theatre, I wasn’t prepared for the amount of energy this show was going to deliver. From the very first number, Emerald Storm bursts with relentless rhythm, infectious spirit, and a joy that never lets up. The choreography, from Garcia and Heather, cleverly contrasts two groups of dancers, costumed by Martha Thorpe, to highlight the “old school” versus “new school” of tapping, while weaving them together to show how tradition and innovation can dance hand in hand.

The stamina of the cast was the strongest aspect of the show. Each number is performed with unwavering commitment and connection between them and with the audience, building a show that feels more than just a sequence of performances: it’s an experience. While there isn’t a set narrative, the passion of the company creates a flow that keeps you hooked from start to finish, making Emerald Storm an exhilarating celebration of Irish dance and music in all its forms.

A special mention has to go to Tom Ball, whose powerhouse vocals carried the show to another level. Equally captivating was Bayley Graham, leader of the “new school” tap dancers, whose charisma and stage presence made him impossible to ignore. Both artists had an undeniable command of the room, ensuring they stood out in a show packed with talent.

If I had one small reservation, it would be about the show’s claim in the programme that the performance happens “all around us.” While the eight vocalists occasionally moved through the audience, this only happened a handful of times. They appeared on stage twice with the rest of the company and, though they were phenomenal each time, I found myself wishing there had been fewer of them, integrated more fully with the main cast. That said, there’s no denying their energy and commitment, which matched the rest of the ensemble beautifully.

What struck me most and what I appreciated the most was the connection between the performers themselves and with the audience. This wasn’t just a showcase of technical skill, it was a generous, heartfelt performance aimed at giving something back to the crowd. I found myself looking around the venue throughout the show, and without fail, faces were lit up with smiles.

And then after the finale came a tap jam, which brought performers and audience members together on stage, each taking turns to dance solo or in groups. With Tim Newman leading as MC, it felt like the perfect way to end: spontaneous, joyous, and brimming with community spirit, which is how I left the theatre. 

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no expert in Irish tap (a year of tap class, I should get back into it) but in that final jam, the heart of the show came alive. Dancers of every level and every age filled the stage, united by rhythm and joy, and for a moment it felt like everyone was part of one big family. It was an absolute delight to witness.

Emerald Storm plays at the Emerald Theatre until September 7th

For tickets and information visit https://www.emeraldstorm.net/tour

Photos by Michael Porter