Achieving chart success on iTunes and recently releasing a BBC documentary, singing group the Shamrock Tenors, comprising of Irish West End stars, made their long-awaited London debut at the Adelphi Theatre (fun fact: the Delorean in the Adelphi’s current proprietor Back To Future was made in Belfast). Consisting of Raymond Walsh, Jack Walsh, Tom Brandon, Jimmy Johnston and Matthew Campbell, how did the fivesome add a bit of Irish magic to London?
I was gifted a ticket in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shamrock Tenors
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What were my thoughts on Shamrock Tenors?
I’ll the first to say I’m not too familiar with Irish folk music other than the classics like Danny Boy and Belle of Belfast, but that didn’t seem to matter as you had a variety of people in the Adelphi auditorium who were newcomers or knew every lyric and made it known to everyone. Soul-stirring, foot-stomping and VERY fun, this concert exemplifies the community feeling folk music is often associated with from enchanting ballads to jigs about drinking that will get you dancing (as my plus one of the night did).
What helped the concert create that community feeling was the Shamrock Tenors themselves. While possessing stunning vocals that blended beautifully together, the camaraderie they shared made them feel like more than just a group, but genuine friends. With each getting their moment whether it’s a gripping Bodrahn solo in act one or Jimmy Johnston’s songwriting prowess being showcased.
What highlights were at Shamrock Tenors?
It would be impossible to think of just one or two highlights when watching Shamrock Tenors, but the momemts when they were joined by their array of guest stars. West End and TV star Fra Fee (Cabaret, Les Miserables) was an honorary member for the night for one song, while Jasmine Gardiner made her West End debut singing a beautiful rendition of Caledonia.
Another pleasant surprise was the inclusion of dance breaks by the award-winning Unity Irish Dance Company and the Cara-Gael Irish dance school from London. Filled with high energy that felt infectious, not once did they miss a step or kick in their dynamic routines that immediately made me want to book an Irish dance class.
As for the Shamrock Tenors’ numbers, my personal favorite had to be Whiskey in the Jar that got the whole audience out of their seats, but also the tearjerking a capella rendition of The Parting Glass – any Choir of Man fans may be familiar with that one, which may not be coincidence as Tom Brandon was part of that show’s original cast.
What are my overall thoughts?
If you’re a fan of Irish folk or love shows such as Choir of Man, I urge you to see the Shamrock Tenors ASAP. With their upcoming US tour, I’m so happy that more people will get to experience the same kind of fun I and my plus one had attending this concert that made me want to hop on the first plane to Ireland as soon as it finished. Upbeat, magical and simply incredible, it says so much how they fivesome can make the 1500-seater Adelphi Theatre feel like a going on a trip down the pub (in the best way).
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