The cast of Ceilidh [Luke Dyson]

FOLLOWING a sold-out run at Alan Cumming’s Pitlochry Festival Theatre season, Ceilidh comes to the welcoming Shoreditch Town Hall.

A new musical by Noisemaker (Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie), the show celebrates the traditional Scottish gathering with live band and guided dancing.

We’re told that the word ceilidh originally meant companion and it’s an evening dedicated to making new friends. We learn a little of its political relevance in the 18th century when tartan and bagpipes were banned and Highlanders defiantly held ceilidhs in secret.

Amid the revelry, there’s a loose tale about Ramsey (Gilmour), our caller for the evening, inheriting the ceilidh bug from his father Leo (David Rankine), who met his English wife Euna (Kirsty Findlay) in a Glasgow chippie. It’s also about how the dances were passed down the generations.

Mostly, this is an opportunity to hear new numbers, such as The Thistle and the Rose (a beautiful solo from Findlay), and classic Scottish songs like Auld Lang Syne.

Then there are the dances, including The Military Two Step, The Dashing White Sergeant, The Gay Gordons and Strip the Willow. Participation is actively encouraged, embraced by many but not mandatory.

Sam Pinkleton’s joyous production is a little messy around the edges, but that’s part of its charm.

It’s held together by the warmth of Gilmour and Rankine, and a top-notch band. There’s even a haggis piped in and tots of whisky offered round.

Performed with energy and dedication, Ceilidh is the perfect antidote to the long, dark nights drawing in.

Until November 13
CeilidhMusical.co.uk