A Fairytale For Christmas - Dominion Theatre
The sell-out, Irish-inspired Christmas concert returns for another UK tour, bringing festive cheer to audiences nationwide. Blending pop favourites, classic carols, Irish dance, and Celtic hits, A Fairytale for Christmas promises an evening that’s hard to forget.
Having previously reviewed Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners—created by the same team as this production—I was pleasantly surprised by how much effort had gone into making A Fairytale for Christmas accessible to everyone. One of my main criticisms of Seven Drunken Nights was its limited accessibility for non-Irish audience members. While I understand the challenge, especially when telling the story of an Irish band, there were still opportunities to bring the whole audience in, such as teaching key song passages rather than allowing only those already familiar with them to fully participate. A Fairytale for Christmas, however, struck a far better balance. Although there were occasional sing-along moments clearly aimed at the Irish crowd, these were offset by well-known songs and interactive sections where the performers guided the audience through the lyrics, making the evening feel welcoming to all.
As a lifelong enthusiast of festive music, the show delivered exactly the kind of atmosphere one hopes for at this time of year. Set against the backdrop of an Irish bar—apparently nestled somewhere in Central Park—the production doesn’t concern itself with following a traditional storyline. Instead, it offers a Christmas-themed, Irish-infused experience reminiscent of The Choir of Man: a joyous musical celebration where the performances, rather than the plot, take centre stage.
Adding to that celebration were the incredibly talented Irish dancers, who brought an electric sense of cultural tradition to the evening. Their precision and artistry added fresh texture to well-known worldwide hits, transforming familiar numbers into something rich with heritage. By weaving Irish dance into such a broad musical selection, the show allowed the audience to appreciate cultural traditions they might not normally encounter, all without losing the universal warmth of the holiday season.
In the end, A Fairytale for Christmas is festive fun for the whole family—a lively, music-filled celebration that’s sure to delight both devoted Christmas enthusiasts and anyone who needs a little extra nudge into the holiday spirit. It’s a must-see for anyone looking to embrace the magic of the season.
Production Value: 75%
Value For Money: 75%
Personal Enjoyment: 80%
Overall Score: 77% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)
Show Information
Venue: Dominion Theatre, London
Playing on tour until: 22nd December 2025
Run Time: Approximately 2h10 - including a 20-minute interval
Tickets for this tour can be found at this link.
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