Review: The Shamrocks (Cambridge Theatre / UK Tour)
Review by Ruth Sealey
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With double Emmy Awards, a previously sold-out concert at London’s Adelphi Theatre, and a tour that took them to the Sydney Opera House, The Shamrocks arrive at the Cambridge Theatre for one night only as part of their UK tour. Formed in 2018 by Raymond Walsh, the band comprises brothers Jack and Raymond Walsh, brothers Jimmy and Nathan Johnston, and Matthew Campbell. They are no strangers to the stage, with Campbell having performed in Choir of Man in Melbourne, Nathan Johnston in Babies – The Musical and Raymond Walsh in Les Misérables, both in the West End. With pedigree like this, I did not doubt that the vocals would be strong, but with the promise of traditional Irish music and the feel of a Belfast pub, can this Irish band stay faithful to their roots while appealing to a wider audience?
From the outset, it is clear that The Shamrocks are a cohesive unit with every member equally comfortable taking the microphone to address the audience, lead a song or crack a joke, and no obvious leader on stage is one of the production’s greatest strengths. No one seeks the limelight or competes for attention, resulting in a beautifully cohesive feel on stage. Matthew Campbell is musical director and multi-instrumentalist on this tour, and his skill in holding this together is impressive; alongside this, he delivers some incredible playing on the bodhrán and whistle. Jimmy Johnston is a commanding stage presence, responsible for writing many of The Shamrocks’ songs, as well as treating the audience to some skillful Irish dancing. His younger brother, Nathan, delivers stunning vocals, combining a gentle tone with real emotion before seeming to have the time of his life in the more upbeat numbers. Jack also turns his hand to playing the keys as well as adding beautiful harmonies. If anyone takes the lead, it is Raymond, who guides the band and audience with a quiet, unassuming confidence.
Sadly, no set list is provided, so my notes, written in the dark of the theatre while clapping along to the feverish tempo of some of the songs, will have to suffice. The first act mixes traditional and original material, and ‘Black Velvet Band’ brings a real storytelling element to the set and gives the band a chance to lean into this with a song full of character. ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘Red is the Rose’ showcase the band’s ability to deliver traditional Irish songs with sensitivity, rooted in Irish heritage and showing the warmth of their harmonies. ‘Danny Boy’ brings the theatre into silence, demonstrating the strength of the vocals without the need for elaborate arrangements and sitting comfortably alongside original compositions. One of the joys of this production is the band’s confidence in introducing original material, including songs yet to be released. Highlights include ‘Mary’, written by Jimmy Johnstone about his home town of Larne, and the unreleased ‘Irish Roses’. I swear that if I closed my eyes, the beauty of Johnston’s lyrics and music could transport me to the wild Atlantic coast. A surprise of the set was a cover of Olivia Dean’s ‘Man I Need’, upbeat and soulful with a message of knowing your worth; its playful lyrics and confident message made a perfect choice for a Shamrocks’ remix. Enjoyable as it is, and with a contrast to the traditional Irish repertoire, it does not quite match the highlights of the original material.
Act 2 feels much more upbeat, featuring a series of drinking songs, including ‘The Wild Rover’, which brings the unmistakable atmosphere of the Irish pub to the theatre, with its familiar chorus inviting the audience to join in. This traditional folk song allows the audience to be swept along in The Shamrocks’ infectious spirit, turning the auditorium into a lively celebration of Irish music. ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ and ‘Dirty Old Town’ demonstrate the breadth of the band’s folk repertoire, from the traditional storytelling of a traditional Irish ballad to the imagery of Ewan MacColl’s much-loved song about industrial Salford. Both sit comfortably within the band’s set, showcasing their ability to bring different strands of folk music to life, and the audience laps this up, with many on their feet for much of the performance. However, it is the contrast between these foot-stomping numbers and the quieter, stripped back moments that really showcases the group’s versatility. ‘Belfast’ offers a change of pace, with the band’s harmonies taking centre stage and offering a moving tribute to the place at the heart of their music. ‘The Parting Glass’ is a traditional Scottish and Irish farewell song, dating back centuries but proving perfectly at home in their set for 2026. Speaking of friendship, memories and the passing of time, with a final toast wishing everyone well, this stripped-back acoustic version provides a poignant reminder of the power of a simple song, beautifully sung.
It would be remiss of me not to mention the incredible six-piece band, although they will have to sadly remain uncredited. With drums, guitar, bass, violin and accordion, they bring depth to the arrangements and the traditional Irish feel. The musicians occasionally become part of the performance itself, sharing an enjoyment on stage and reinforcing the sense of unity that runs through the evening. They are far more than backing musicians and are integral in bringing the music to life.
The Shamrocks’ performance feels deeper than just a celebration of Irish music, and the band send a clear message of what they see as a representation of Belfast for the future. We are reminded by Raymond Walsh that the group mixes Protestant and Catholic backgrounds, offering a glimpse of what peace and reconciliation look like. This message is reflected in the endearing rapport between the band, which feels like a natural extension of the music itself. In a time of division both here in the UK and further afield, The Shamrocks offer a hopeful vision of what the future could look like, and this is a message that deserves to be heard more widely.
With a mix of traditional Irish ballads, foot-stomping pub favourites and original material, The Shamrocks deliver a musical evening that showcases their vocal talent and connection to their roots. Soaring harmonies, traditional instrumentation and accomplished musicianship create a sound steeped in Irish heritage, while the contrast between lively singalongs and quieter acoustic moments demonstrates the band’s versatility. Underpinning it all is a genuine sense of camaraderie, making this more than a celebration of Irish music. It is an evening that captures something of the people, history and shared identity behind the songs, resulting in a memorable night of live music that is as moving as it is uplifting.
The Shamrocks are currently touring the UK.
21st October, Usher Hall, Edinburgh
23rd October, The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
25th October, The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
26th October, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
29th October, Venue Cymru, Llandudno
30th October, Theatre Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
1st November, Hall for Cornwall, Truro
20th November, The SSE Arena, Belfast
Tickets from https://theshamrocks.ie/tour/