Ragus

Reliable academic sources – thanks P.J. – tell me that the word Ragus means “urge” or “desire”. I'll leave precision to the lexicographers, but the show has been running on Inishmore in the Aran Islands for the last four summers, to packed houses. Described as a “journey through Irish music, song and dance”, it is a fast paced production lead from the front by box player and vocalist Fergal O'Murchu under the watchful eye of musical advisor and fiddle player Maurice Lennon. There’s no dry ice, but the opening sequence is dark and broody, lit very low, then the atmosphere builds gradually into a version of ‘Miss McCloud’s Reel’. Cue the dancers lead by Gillian Norris, for a hard shoe reel, which brings the first movememt to a conclusion.

What I liked about this show – which runs through July and August – was the obvious enjoyment which the dancers, singers and musicians got from their own, and each other’s performances. The feelgood factor just shines out from the stage, and while it’s not Riverdance, nor would it claim to be, it does exactly what it says on the tin!