THIS show doesn't need any hype. It's good to look at, good to listen to and is a world-wide hit. And judging from the reaction from a packed out audience last night you can see why.

Riverdance, which began as an interval filler all those years ago at the Eurovision Song Contest, has taken over the world.

While we were being entertained last night by a succession of singers, dancers, and musicians our Australian partners were enjoying similar entertainment on the other side of the world.

This is a show, which celebrates Irish culture and puts it on a pedestal. It includes music, dance, song and word. And it does it brilliantly.

But Riverdance the night out - although polished and highly entertaining - fails to hold the attention as Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance does.

Perhaps its the lack of a main star that does it. But Lord of the Dance's thin plot line does keep you tuned in. Sometimes during Riverdance - especially when you were reduced to looking at a video screen , with a static image and a booming voice over - which meant very little - you just turned off.

But on the whole this is an energetic, enjoyable and professional performance. It's always refreshing to see men dancing and making it sexy . And the same can be said of the women.

At the end of the day it doesn't matter what the critics say. This is a stunning show which attracts the punters. And you can see why. Stylish, energetic, and stunning. As usual all you can say about this dance extravaganza is - go and see see it. Highly recommended. Jennifer Bradbury

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.