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Review roundup · Musicals

CEILIDH THE MUSICAL REVIEWS: CRITICS GET UP AND DANCE AT SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL, AND THE RUN IS EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY.

By Fitzrovia Talent ·

In brief

The show at a glance

Ceilidh tells the story of Ramsay, played by Gilmour himself, the son of a celebrated ceilidh caller, Leo (David Rankine), as the role of caller passes down the generations. The dances punctuate the story, and the cast teach each one before the room joins in. (The Guardian; WhatsOnStage)

Gilmour and McKenzie, the Glasgow writing partnership known as Noisemaker, wrote the book, music and lyrics, and are this year's recipients of the Jonathan Larson Grant. The venue describes "a company of 16 actor-musicians". The production played a run in the US and its UK premiere at Pitlochry before reaching London. (BroadwayWorld; Shoreditch Town Hall; Best of Theatre)

The cast is led by Scott Gilmour (Ramsay), Kyle Gardiner (alternate Ramsay), David Rankine (Leo), Kirsty Findlay (Euna), George Drennan (Older Man), Annie Grace, Star Penders (Granny Maclavaney), Rori Hawthorn, Jerome Lincoln, Charlie West and Harry Ward, with Leo Shak, Elinor Peregrin, Helen Logan and Robin Mackenzie as piper and ensemble. (LondonTheatre.co.uk)

What the critics said

How the reviews landed, by outlet:

Best of Theatre's roundup of 17 rated reviews counted eleven five-star notices, four at four stars and two at three, for an average of 4.5 out of 5. (Best of Theatre)

The company of actor-musicians

The playing is the thing every critic singles out. WhatsOnStage wrote that "The playing is of the highest order, including a scintillating pair of duelling fiddles from Rori Hawthorn and Charlie West", with "stonking vocal performances" from Kirsty Findlay as Euna and George Drennan as "Older Man". (WhatsOnStage)

BroadwayWorld wrote that "what really makes Ceilidh come alive is the enthusiastic and multi-talented company", adding that "Star Penders has incredible comic timing, and David Rankine leads the cast and audience alike in his role as caller Leo". LondonTheatre.co.uk praised "Kirsty Findlay's enchanting Euna" and said the cast "all look to be having the time of their lives". (BroadwayWorld; LondonTheatre.co.uk)

The Guardian enjoyed "a glorious meet-cute in a Glasgow chippie" and a "barnstorming number" tracing "the comically hazy passing down of dance moves through the generations". (The Guardian)

Joining in

Audience participation is optional. BroadwayWorld reported that "At no point is anyone pressured to dance", and suggested that anyone certain they won't want to join in should sit upstairs. The venue says all areas are seated, and main floor and front row ticket holders may be invited to join some of the dances. (BroadwayWorld; Shoreditch Town Hall)

Co-writer Claire McKenzie told The Observer: "This is one type of dancing where it's not about being good at it or looking cool. It's not for the elite. It's for absolutely everyone." (The Observer)

What fell flat

The story is the sticking point. The Guardian's Emma John loved the experience as "an inveterate joiner-inner", but wondered "whether those who chose simply to observe would feel well enough served by a narrative that never quite allows the characters enough time or depth". (The Guardian)

WhatsOnStage found the show "unapologetically nostalgic, even tipping into mawkishness by the finale mass rendition of 'Auld Lang Syne'", though it called that "more than forgivable" for a piece conceived during lockdown. LondonTheatre.co.uk warned that "uninitiated auditors may struggle at times with the Scottish accents". (WhatsOnStage; LondonTheatre.co.uk)

Extended to February 2027

On 5 November the producers announced that, due to demand, Ceilidh is extending its run at Shoreditch Town Hall until 28 February 2027, with Christmas, New Year's Eve and Burns Night performances on sale. The UK tour has been postponed, with more details to be announced. (BroadwayWorld; LondonTheatre.co.uk)

The first stretch still ends on Friday 13 November. The show then returns in three blocks: 23 to 28 November, 28 December to 11 January, and 19 January to 28 February 2027. The festive block includes a 9pm performance on New Year's Eve, and Burns Night on 25 January has a matinee and an evening show. (Best of Theatre)

Dates and tickets

(Shoreditch Town Hall)

What it means for performers

Ceilidh is built on actor-musicians: performers who sing, act, dance and play fiddle, pipes, accordion and more, live, in the round, while teaching a room of strangers to dance. It is also a reminder that a show can grow from a regional festival season into an extended London run on the strength of its company. If you're a performer looking for representation, or a casting director with a brief for multi-skilled actor-musicians, get in touch with Fitzrovia Talent.

FAQ

What are the reviews like for Ceilidh the Musical? Very warm. Best of Theatre counted 17 rated reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, with eleven five-star notices. The Guardian called it "a joyous, riotous celebration of Scottish culture", while The Stage gave three stars. The main reservation is a thin story.

Do you have to dance at Ceilidh the Musical? No. Joining in is optional, and BroadwayWorld reported that nobody is pressured to dance. Main floor and front row ticket holders may be invited to join some of the dances, and the balcony suits anyone who would rather watch.

How long is Ceilidh the Musical running in London? The first stretch at Shoreditch Town Hall ends on 13 November 2026. It returns from 23 to 28 November, 28 December to 11 January and 19 January to 28 February 2027.

Who wrote and directed Ceilidh? Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie, known as Noisemaker, wrote the book, music and lyrics. Sam Pinkleton, the Tony-winning director of Oh, Mary!, directs and choreographs, and Alan Cumming co-produces.

How much are tickets for Ceilidh the Musical? Balcony seats start at £25, main floor at £40 and front row at £55.

How long is the show, and is it suitable for children? 2 hours 15 minutes including an interval. The age guidance is all ages, with strong language, haze and loud music.

Sources