Review: Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners (New Wimbledon Theatre)

Review by Roann Gutierrez

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After a decade of sold-out shows and more than 1,000 well-earned standing ovations, a talented group of Irish folk musicians returns on tour to celebrate the music and legacy of The Dubliners in Seven Drunken Nights. Set within the familiar warmth of O'Donoghue's Pub, this feel-good tribute blends music and storytelling with ease. But can the ensemble truly recapture the magic of these Irish folk icons, or will it struggle to do their legacy justice?

The story begins in O'Donoghue's Pub, where the band was first formed. During the 1960s, people weren’t a fan of live music with their liquor, and so musicians took to the streets to get their music heard. However, in a crowded student town, a pub owner saw there was an appetite for live music, which led to the foursome that would later be known as The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group, taking a slot every Friday night. They were a hit, but Ronnie Drew was unhappy with the name until Luke Kelly suggested changing it to ‘The Dubliners’, based on the book ‘Dubliners’ by James Joyce, the book he was reading at the time. The name stuck, and they became a global sensation, touring the world from America to Australia to New Zealand. Throughout their career, The Dubliners had 11 members in total as some left, some sadly passed, and others pushed on, with each member bringing exciting new sounds to the group. 

The stage was taken over by O’Donoghue’s Pub from end to end, with bar stools and framed photos all over the walls, making the audience feel welcomed and comfortable for a night of storytelling and good music. I particularly enjoyed watching real Guinness being poured and served to the performers, a lovely touch. The distinction between the pub and small recording set on the right side of the stage was a great workaround, and the spotlight on the group whilst the rest of the stage was in red to mimic a recording studio was well executed. The lighting, overall, was spot on, enhancing each moment from nostalgia to celebratory hits to solemn blues for the more emotional moments. The screen was also used well, as cultural pop moments from beer adverts to news clippings established the timeline. 

Written and directed by Ged Graham, his writing is a mix of humour, nostalgia and folksy storytelling. From the start, it welcomes the audience into the pub for an easy conversation over some Guinness and The Dubliner’s greatest hits. Graham’s writing is accessible and warm, with never a dull conversation throughout.

His direction elevates the show from a simple tribute to a full-bodied, engaging experience. His ability to balance high-energy performances with intimate storytelling captures the spirit of The Dubliners. Most beautifully directed was the funeral scene as the cast stood as solemn silhouettes, each taking a verse on the lectern and holding the umbrella for their partner. For me, it was the most meaningful representation of how the band was more than just a group of lads who loved making music - instead, a family that was there to support each other through even the toughest of times.

The cast of Seven Drunken Nights delivers a powerhouse performance, each deserving high praise for their musicianship, charisma, and authentic Irish spirit. What truly made their performance special was the natural chemistry they had built, with not a note, lyric, or harmony missed, whilst everyone still had the chance to show off their insanely talented musical skills. However, it was Luc Power’s vocals that blew the audience away as his amazing vocal technique was something to be truly admired; the pure soul of folk was embodied in his voice. Graham was the true heart of the show, as his humour and ability to create nostalgia were the main reasons the audience was on their feet for the last three songs.

Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners is a joyous and heartfelt tribute, blending music, storytelling and nostalgia into a thoroughly engaging audience experience. While it leans more towards tribute than super detailed storytelling, the production’s warmth, authenticity and outstanding cast performances resonate well with audiences old and new. 

Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners plays across the UK until the 24th May with upcoming dates in Devon, Swansea, Frome, Ramsgate, Liverpool, Epsom, Woking, Stafford, Cardiff, Reading, Sunderland, Stoke-On-Trent, Swindon, Worthing, St Helier, Lincoln, Tewkesbury, York, Weston-super-Mare, Folkstone, Tottenham Court Road London, Bridgwater, Crawley, Dartford, Lowestoft, Stevenage, Truro, Christchurch, Basildon, Llandudno, Shrewsbury, Buxton, Lord Street Southport, Doncaster, Blackpool and Oxford. Tickets are available to purchase from each venue's website.