Review by Brendan McFadden.

LORD of the Dance Dangerous Games is the latest version of Michael Flatley’s smash hit dance musical, now showing at the Bristol Hippodrome.

It achieved worldwide success when it hit stages in 1996 and almost 20 years on, this latest version of the spectacular at Bristol Hippodrome still has the ability to captivate crowds.

Dangerous Games, which is directed, produced and choreographed by Flatley, is in keeping with the original story of the Lord of Dance’s battle against the Dark Lord and his band of cronies but it has new costumes and music composed by Gerard Fahy.

The new Lord of the Dance, Morgan Cromer, and the team of dancers performed brilliantly on stage and the crowd was mesmerised by their fantastic footwork, a mix of Irish dance and salsa, throughout the show.

Fahy’s music, a mix of Irish traditional folk and guitar-driven pop, fitted in well with the well choreographed routines.

And the compositions really complimented solo artist Rachael O’Conner’s crisp and powerful dulcet tones.

A video background, which depicted fantasy scenes that were reminiscent of Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, made the production feel even more grandeur and at times the wonderful imagery almost overshadowed the performers.

Flatley was not there to perform but he did make an appearance on a video screen at the end of the show much to the delight of the audience.

Three giant versions of the superstar conducted a speedy routine, which reminded everyone why he is regarded as a God in the dance world.