The heart and soul of Northern Ireland

Described by it’s producers as an “all singing, all dancing show delivering the Heart & Soul of Northern Ireland” the show is a seven-cast production of modern and traditional story-telling, music and dance.

With some of the country’s leading musicians and performers including singers Joe Mac and Colette Curry as well as Crawford Bell, best known for being Van Morrison’s musical director and bassist.

Produced by Johnny Hero and business partner John Rogers Belfast City of Rhythms Show 2014 opens at the Europa Hotel on Friday August 1.

The production will complete a six week run through to Monday September 8 with four shows a week each Friday,Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Johnny explained: “The show is basically a snapshot of our social culture here in Northern Ireland. Of course, we have a lot of the classic songs that we’re famous for, but we also have some great examples of the craic and humour that we’re noted for.

“My hope is that the show will appeal to tourists and locals alike, and given the early feedback that we’ve had it would not surprise me if the initial run was extended or indeed, taken on tour.”

Scripted by writer and director Donna Fleming the show tells the story of a local bar owner and his pursuit of the “craic”.

Donna said: “Johnny owns an award winning pub in Belfast. His punters all play in the band and spend their time at his pub rehearsing (well that’s what their wives think) for the next All Ireland Music competition.

“Johnny has his long suffering wife Molly who lives at the back of the pub tortured with the punters always being there playing their music and having far too much craic.

“Joe would be the main instigator of all the shenanigans in the pub, knowing every song ever played! Joe has a wee eye for Colette, Johnny’s barmaid, as does Johnny. But Colette keeps them in their place and Joe never lets Johnny forget about Molly.”

The show will feature best loved classics such as My Irish Molly, Let Him Go Tarry, My Heart Will Go On, Carrickfergus, Mountains of Mourne and Green Glens of Antrim as well as Boys From County Armagh, If I Don’t Make It Home, Hills Of Donegal, I Used To Love Her Once, Caledonia, Danny Boy and Brown Eyed Girl among others.

Guests of the show will include various Irish and Ulster Scots dancers from all over Northern Ireland.

Tickets for the show which runs Friday to Monday from August 1 to September 8 are £18 and available fromwww.ticketmaster.co.uk, 028 9026 6013, [email protected] or at the Europa Hotel Reception Desk.