Meet the Stars of Riverdance 30 Ahead of the Liverpool Empire Run
Riverdance 30: The New Generation is set to open at the Liverpool Empire Theatre from 29 August to 2 September 2025. This special anniversary tour celebrates three decades of the iconic show that first took the world by storm with its explosive blend of traditional Irish music and dance.
This new production features innovative choreography, new costumes, and state-of-the-art lighting. A cast of new young performers bring fresh energy to the legacy whilst keeping the same Grammy-winning music and thunderous footwork that made Riverdance a global sensation.
I was lucky enough to catch up with principal dancers and siblings Fergus Fitzpatrick and Anna Mai Fitzpatrick to talk to them about this iconic show.
Thanks so much for making time today, Fergus and Anna Mai. I’m thrilled to chat about Riverdance 30 – The New Generation. How are preparations for the show going so far?
They’re going amazingly well. We’re rehearsing every single day. We do this for every show when we’re on tour and it helps to improve each show… it helps us to keep in peak shape for each show.
You’ve both danced competitively since childhood — how did those early experiences shape your approach to performing in Riverdance 30?
It’s quite natural for Irish dancers to go through the competition scene before we enter the ‘show industry’ we were in that scene for about 16 years. Even then we always knew that Riverdance was the end goal and we joined Riverdance as soon as we were old enough. Having that background in competition is a great preparation for what we are doing now. You know what it’s like to work hard, you have a great dedication to the art already and in terms of fitness and stamina you have a good background. I would say that our competition background is almost essential for Riverdance.
Fergus, let’s start with you. Take me back to the first time you saw Riverdance live what went through your mind the moment that the show started?
My first memory of Riverdance was actually on TV and that was when I fell in love with it. From there I felt like I just had to do it. It looked like they were having so much fun on stage. Anna Mai was already doing dance classes and I felt that I had to tag along and I’ve been tagging along since.
Riverdance 30 celebrates a legacy while introducing a New Generation. How does this version differ in terms of choreography and emotion from earlier tours?
The dancers of Riverdance 30 weren’t even born when the original show aired on the Eurovision in 1994 but they grew up with that legacy. Whilst there is a new vision and energy at the same time we are keeping true to the legacy. We are also using modern technology and at the same time updating both costumes and set design. We are just so proud to be a part of this new amazing spectacle.
Anna Mai, many performers have superstitions or rituals before going on stage do you have any pre show rituals that you go through before the curtain goes up?
I try not to have superstitions or rituals because I’m afraid I might become dependent on them. However one thing I do is to give Fergus a ‘low five’ same as a ‘high five’ but we go low. There are a lot of handshakes throughout the cast and other people have different routines to get prepared for the show but I like to take it as I feel on that day and try to get into character to perform the best I can.
Fergus Is there a particular jig or reel in the new show that feels like it’s telling your story? What memories or images does it bring up for you?
My particular favourite number is Heartbeat of the World. This is not a new number but it was added back in for the new show. It has a male lead and is very raw and rhythmic and very flamenco. It’s very raw and passionate and that’s how I feel a lot of the time, it doesn’t actually tell my store but it’s a great one to get into character and I always love performing it. The rhythms are incredible and I feel that the audience really responds to it because of its rawness.
Anna Mai, Is there one reaction from the audience—maybe a gasp or a roar—that still surprises you and makes you pause mid-step?
Yes there are so many numbers throughout the show that are crowd favourites. There is one number that Eastern European folk dancers call Dervish that’s been in the show for 8 years now. We love this reaction from the audience. Every audience is different with different reactions which is the wonderful thing about live theatre.
I’ve seen you both perform before and you two move in perfect sync. Anna Mai, if Fergus throws in an unexpected flourish, how do you adapt without missing a beat?
In the lead roles there is a bit of freedom to add originality and what you bring to the character. Fergus definitely has his own style which I absolutely love.
Anna Mai, moving backstage what’s the funniest or most heart warming thing Fergus has done backstage to calm your nerves before a big number?
A lot of the times it’s just a look from him or a nod of the head from him. If I don’t get to see him before I go on stage that’s fine but usually we do and he gives me that extra bit of comfort and support and that’s great to have.
As brother and sister how critical are you of each other’s performance?
We are certainly not critical of each other’s performance but we are certainly helpful to each other. It’s been that way since we were small children. We’ve always helped each other. We want to be our best selves and do the best we can and that means we need to be truthful and honest. That great honest communication has certainly helped us to get where we are today.
Fergus, thirty years on from the original premiere, what do you hope someone in the back row takes home in their heart tonight?
I would love them to go home with a feeling similar to that of the audience on that night at the Eurovision Song Contest. That feeling of pure magic and wonder and wanting to see it again because you start to question ‘Did I really just see that’? That feeling of bringing a bit of joy to someone’s life is part of the reason we do what we do.
If you could whisper one piece of advice to the Fergus and Anna Mai who first auditioned for Riverdance, what would it be?
Anna Mai: Oh that’s a great question. I think I would say enjoy every single minute, enjoy all of the challenges, every time you feel sore, and every time you feel tired every time you don’t know how to improve or how to get better. Fergus I think I would say trust you. Enjoy the process but also trust yourself. We all have moments of doubt in our career and sometimes you need to believe in yourself a little bit more than you do
Have you got a message for the many people from Liverpool who will be coming to the show?
Anna Mai: Yes whether it’s your first time or third time or whatever number of times you’ve seen it just enjoy it and I hope you feel motivated and inspired when leaving the theatre. The best and only way to experience Riverdance is to come to the theatre and experience it for yourself.
Fergus, Anna Mai, thank you for sharing these stories and for breathing new life into Riverdance’s legacy. Liverpool has a great Irish heritage (myself included) I’m looking forward to seeing the performance and I know I can’t wait to see where your journey leads next! Thanks for your time.
Kevin Eccleston was speaking to Fergus and Anna Mai Fitzpatrick the two principal dancers in Riverdance 30 – New Generation, the show is set to open at Liverpool Empire on 29th August till 2nd September as a part of a 30 venue tour.
Tickets available at atgtickets.com/shows/riverdance-30-the-new-generation
