Emerald Storm at Emerald Theatre
Emerald Storm is an energetic and heartfelt variety show featuring Irish dance, tap, and rich vocals from Tom Ball. As you enter the Emerald Theatre (a recently renovated music hall that once hosted raucous vaudeville nights), you will be met with a lively atmosphere more akin to a gig venue than the traditional “phones off and no talking” vibe of a theatre. The stage features an oblong screen that both resembles an elegant picture frame and a portal, with block coloured landscapes that change hue to reflect the mood of the sequence – from Irish greens to vibrant reds.
The production begins in a pub, with 1,000 per cent energy put into the New York Girls and Round Table dances, and a heart-warming, quintessentially Irish tune is matched with impressive high kicks and impeccable leg work from the dynamic Olivia Graydon and the Irish dancers. These early numbers demonstrate how versatile Irish dance can be – from upbeat and fun to sultry and sensual. Then the tap dancers – a young ensemble led by the egregiously talented Bayley Graham – take the stage with Fly As Me, a swaying, street-dance style number with a confident, swaggering feel.
Highlights of tonight’s performance include the acapella sea shanty rendition of Wellerman, and The Mop Boy and The Mop Boy Returns. The Mop Boy (Matt Walker) has a job to do – but whenever nobody is looking, he dances with himself, using the mop as a partner and showcasing some impressive tap skills. The Boss (Tom Ball) catches him a few times, but Mop Boy persists. After being trolled by the sound engineer with a series of “lonely” themed songs, Mop Boy finally catches the attention of Graham and is welcomed into the tap group.
Graham brings oodles of slightly cocky charisma. He has a casual self-assurance, and his Tap Solo oscillates between jaw-dropping prowess and subtle, flirty toe clicks. At one point, he performs faster and faster shuffles while balancing a stick on his nose. He knows he’s good, he knows that you know he’s good, and it’s mesmerising to see what he can do.
What stands out about Emerald Storm is the sheer enthusiasm and joy on the performers’ faces, and how supportive the show feels. Even when the dancers are technically meant to be competing in a dance off (Tap Jam), it’s much more about elevating each other than overshadowing, with every dancer given the chance to display their skills. The talent in the room is palpable. Emerald Storm is a delightful celebration of tap and Irish dance, both of which don’t get to rule the stage often enough. Hopefully, this production can encourage a new generation of dancers to embrace these styles and keep them alive.
Sophia Moss
Photos: Nick Brooker
Emerald Storm is at Emerald Theatre from 25th November until 14th December 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
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