Livin’ Dred bring a Dan-tastic show to Longford's Backstage Theatre

In the last decade and half they have created a a plethora of remarkable theatre experiences from Bailegangaire to Observe the Sons of Ulster, Marching Towards the Somme.

Longford's proximity and affiliation has meant that all have been presented to local audiences. Back in November '21 the group staged Danti-Dan in Townhall Cavan just as audience numbers were returning to normal.

The show captivated audiences, partly because it's hilarious, but mostly the astonishing standard of performance from a very young group of actors.

This week Backstage brings this magical story of hormones bursting into bloom to Longford. This production of Danti-Dan, Gina Moxley’s tale of the sexual-awakening of five innocent youngsters in a dead-end small town, is a revelation.

Among the cast is Carrigallen lad David Rawle. David came to prominence with his star turn in Chris O’Dowd’s TV series Moone Boy. The entire cast is a veritable list of ‘ones to watch’ of young Irish actors.

Comprising of Venetia Bowe (Cold Courage), Eoghan Collins (who appeared in the Netflix series Valhalla), Meadhbh Maxwell (Normal People and Finding Joy) and Chloe O’Reilly (a recent graduate from The Lir) the ensemble .

Danti-Dan is presided over by Livin’ Dred Artistic Director, Aaron Monaghan. With film and TV credits in The Banshees of Inisherin, Redemption of a Rogue, Assassin’s Creed, The Foreigner, Love/Hate as well as the accolade of one of the country’s fines stage actors, Monaghan's credential are very impressive.

Though first produced by Rough Magic in 1995 Danti-Dan is set in 1970 and is a curious combination of nostalgia and evergreen themes: “It's been great,” the director says of the reception for the show, “there has been a real warmth from audiences. We have had standing ovations from audiences from the last couple of nights.”

Aaron is fullsome in his praise for the cast: “They really are exceptionally gifted. When I first cast them I though 'these are superstars'. I was not expecting to get them for an extended run.

They are off doing things, but they have made themselves available for this run. They had such a great time on the last run of it that they all signed up immediately. They have quite a unique chemistry between themselves.”

Danti-Dan will be staged in the Backstage on Saturday, February 18, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are €18 or €16 concession.