Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners reviews

The three lead vocalists, led by profoundly resonant septuagenarian Ged Graham, who also directs, have undeniable stage presence. Add in harmonies from the other expert players, and the effect is nothing short of choral. Top-flight vocal performances from Luc Power and Aidan Keene are gripping, authentic and flawless. For Paddy on the Railway and The Old Triangle, the musicians sing suspended in a pool of heavenly light, and we can imagine ourselves into the shoes of the labourers and prison inmates who dwell in these songs.

Songs flow thick and fast, and between them come anecdotes and warm-hearted banter, mainly from Graham. These brief narrative interludes delivered direct to the audience are cursory – disappointingly so –  with no suspense, jeopardy or drama in the telling. Tantalising story avenues get mere glances. The difficulty of the popular folk scene becoming established in the culturally constrained, buttoned-up Ireland of the early 1960s, and the travels of the members back and forth to England are check-boxed, then set aside. Beyond tributes to the late members of the band, the emotion stays locked in the songs. What story there is gives context to justify putting the band’s name the Dubliners in the show’s title, but not a lot more.

For the most part, though, this is a gig – and a really good one. If you like the Pogues, or more recent bands such as the Dropkick Murphys or the Mary Wallopers, you’ll enjoy this nostalgia trip. Those who already know the repertoire of the Dubliners – originals and renditions of traditional folk songs – would have to hunt far and wide to find interpretations delivered with such superb artistry.

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