Sionnach Rua’s Great Irish Song Book

* ABC audience ranging from Radio National to Double J listeners.
* Independent radio listeners, eg 3Triple R, 3CR, 3PBS
* Mid – Older festival demographic, but young people will also enjoy the lively, foot stomping show
Think Womad, Woodford, Port Fairy etc.
* Theatre audiences with an interest in powerful Irish storytelling and compelling performances
* Irish Traditions, stories and songs as told by the Irishman himself, who has lived experience of the streets of Ireland. Autobiographical in nature.
* Audiences who love participating, encouraging them to sing along, clap their hands and stomp their feet and sing.
* Audiences who like to learn about unusual instruments – uilleann pipes, bouzouki, tin whistle and bodhrán
* Audiences who appreciate listening to award winning musicians who are recognised professionally in Australia and overseas as highly sought musicians.

Since the 1830s there have been millions of people either transported or emigrated from Ireland. There are 4th generations, 3rd generations , 2nd generations and 1st generation Irish scattered all over Australia, and their hearts sing and yearn for anything that is Irish. They feel such a strong pull towards Ireland, as if they are living in two lands. This show, bridges that gap.

This show will have audiences enthralled with tales from Irish History, songs about transportation to Australia, stories of Gallie’s upbringing in Dublin, and they will sing, stamp their feet, laugh and cry, and raise their voices in a celebration of what it is to be Irish and indeed, what has led Australia to become such a rich and diverse multicultural society.

Showcasing songs from Ireland’s Great Irish Songbook, such as the chorus rousing “The Old Triangle” or “The Fields of Athenry”, a tale of transportation and famine. Or a song or two from the master songwriter himself, Mr Van Morrision.

The mix of Traditional Irish instruments – the uilleann pipes, the bodhrán, tin whistle – are not often seen on Australian stages. Played by acclaimed musicians, who are recognised professionally in Australia and overseas.