The Legend of Luke Kelly

The Legend of Luke Kelly comes to the Royal Hippodrome Theatre on Thursday 4 February 2027, with the show starting at 7:30 pm. It's a celebration of the life and songs of Luke Kelly, one of Ireland's most iconic folk singers, and it's created and performed by the Dublin multi-instrumentalist Chris Kavanagh. Rather than a tribute act, Kavanagh frames it as a journey through Kelly's music, and it's been well received in Ireland, playing to sell-out crowds at venues like Vicar Street, the Cork Opera House and the National Opera House, with the endorsement of Kelly's own family.

Kavanagh's connection to this kind of music goes back to his childhood; he's been singing and playing since he was three, raised on folk at home where bands like The Dubliners and The Clancy Brothers played regularly. That's the same tradition Luke Kelly belonged to, so there's a direct line from the music Kavanagh grew up with to the songs he's bringing to the stage here. He's also a songwriter and composer in his own right, and his 2011 album Voice of the People shows that side of him.

On the night, Kavanagh takes on both the singing and the instruments, keeping the focus on Kelly's songs and the story behind them. It's a one-man show, so the whole thing rests on him. Tickets are £27.50, and it runs at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre on Seaside Road, Eastbourne, on Thursday 4 February 2027, starting at 7:30 pm.