Farewell to Lords of the Dance; ANGEL EYES.

IRISH stage sensation Riverdance is returning to the region for a farewell tour.

It will take in 14 cities across the UK from January next year and will toe tap its way into Sunderland Empire from April 6 to 11 next year.

This will be the last chance for UK audiences to see the show, described by the Irish Times as "The original... the best", and which The Washington Post exclaimed, "Twelve years after its Dublin premiere, its continued popularity proves that it was, and remains, a phenomenon of historic proportions!"

Producer Moya Doherty tells us: "Since 1995, the success of Riverdance has gone beyond our wildest dreams.

"The fact the show continues to draw and excite audiences 13 years after its debut in Dublin is a tribute to every dancer, singer, musician, staff and crew member who have dedicated themselves to the show.

"We look forward to this farewell tour as it was always our intention to end on a high note."

Composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya and directed by John McColgan, the full-length show opened in February 1995 in the Point Theatre, Dublin.

The Farewell Tour will be the eighth time it has performed across the UK, where it has been experienced by more than 2.7 million people in 1,000 performances in 18 cities.

Tickets are on sale from today.

AT A GLANCE

Riverdance - The Farewell Tour Sunderland Empire Monday 6th-Saturday 11th April 2009 Timings: Mon-Sat 8.00pm, Weds & Sat 2.30pm Tickets: pounds 23.50 - pounds 39.50 24 Hour Box Office: 0844 847 2499 www.SunderlandEmpire.org.uk

CAPTION(S):

CAPTIVATING: Riverdance will do a final fling