Seven Drunken Nights | New Wimbledon Theatre

Seven Drunken Nights tells the story of the beloved Irish folk band, The Dubliners. With a cast of 6 actor-musicians, the show takes the audience through the history of the band through its music.

Now, this reviewer has never set foot in Ireland, let alone heard of the band or any of its music. Walking into the theatre, it was clear that not many people would share this perspective. The music in itself is charming and genuinely triggers a feel-good atmosphere which makes you want to clap along. Some critics have described the show as ‘authentic’, and while not in a position to use the word personally, the reasoning behind it is completely understandable.

The Dubliners’ music is deeply rooted in traditional Irish folk, characterised by its raw emotional power, lively instrumentation, and strong storytelling. Their sound blends spirited ballads, raucous drinking songs, and poignant laments, often accompanied by instruments like the banjo, fiddle, tin whistle, and guitar. Vocally, the cast delivers performances that are gritty, expressive, and at times, thoroughly melancholic.

Most of the narration was taken over by Ged Graham, who also sang and played the guitar. The other cast members would either join into the narration and sing altogether, or they would take over playing different band members. Maybe this reviewer’s outsider perspective didn’t help, but there were times when it was rather difficult to understand who was narrating or who was portraying the band members. Although there were a few minor costume changes (thinking specifically of Luc Power’s cap), it was very difficult to keep track of it all.

This leads to the conclusion that the story is a lot easier to understand if you are already somewhat in the know. It is worth noting that the storytelling is only a small part of the show, and that most of it relies on the music itself. The show itself is set in a pub, honouring Dublin's legendary Irish pub O’Donoghue’s, where the band made its debut back in 1962 and where it continued to bring audiences together for many subsequent decades. It also shared a stage with a recording studio. The staging made the show feel like we were all cozied up in the pub with them, singing (and clapping) along to the beautiful music.

Overall, Seven Drunken Nights is an enjoyable experience, particularly for those familiar with the Dubliners and their music. The lively atmosphere, catchy tunes, and spirited performances from the cast make for a fun evening. However, the complexity of the narrative and the difficulty in tracking the characters can be a bit confusing for newcomers. Still, the heart of the show lies in its music, and for fans of Irish folk or those looking for a good time, it’s an experience worth having.

Seven Drunken Nights is currently embarking on a tour around Europe.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Prestige Productions