Dance Consortium presents MÁM – Review

Irish choreographer, Michael Keegan-Dolan can be thought of as something of a rebel in the dance world.

In the programme notes he describes his relationship with ballet as ‘complicated’. He was thrown out of ballet school more than once before finally returning to complete his training. But while this time in his life could be considered a ‘car crash’ to some, it is something for which he is now grateful. For although a ‘square peg in a round hole’ it was here that he began to create work, telling stories without words, and finding a new space that sits as a combination of dance, music and theatre.

He created MÁM in 2019 when it was nominated for an Olivier Award after enjoying sellout performances at Sadler’s Wells and has performed at festivals worldwide. However, this 9-date tour for Dance Consortium is the first time regional UK audiences have had the chance to see it.

The inspiration from the show comes from the landscapes, myths and people of Kerry on the southwest coast of Ireland. It is also infused with the music of the region. Concertina player Cormac Begley takes centre stage throughout and part-way through the piece a curtain falls to reveal Stargaze, a European classical contemporary collective, playing live.

The show opens with Cormac, wearing a ram’s head mask, sat facing a young girl on a huge wooden table. Shortly after there are some disorienting lights and the company’s 12 dancers appear all dressed in black as if at a funeral also wearing frightening masks.

Set in what looks like a community hall, this scene is a strange mix of the otherworldly and the familiar. If science-fiction dance is a thing, this could be it.

It is an intense and sometimes uncomfortable watch as the child is shouted at, or squashed between adults partying, smoking, watching TV – generally dancing to their own beat. Many of the moves give the appearance that the audience could join in, giving an immersive sense that we are watching real people in these dancer’s characters.

Each time we think we know what is happening, Sabine Dargent’s set design strips layers back to reveal something new, leading to the final scene where giant fans blow the audience away in every sense of the word.

The lights go up to huge cheers and a spontaneous standing ovation. It certainly isn’t the easiest of watches but the Lowry audience absolutely loved it.

Dance Consortium presents MÁM is at Lowry, Salford on 3 and 4 February 2026 before continuing on its 9 date tour.