You only have to mention the name Michael Flatley to people and they start saying how much they love Riverdance before making some poor attempt at Irish dancing.

But over 20 years on from that breathtaking Eurovision Song Contest performance, his career has taken him on a new journey through his breakaway show Lord of the Dance, which he created, produced, directed and of course choreographed and debuted in 1996.

This in itself has evolved into Fleet of Flames and now the latest effort Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games, which is running at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre until Saturday, May 2.

The show opens with a somewhat self-indulgent ‘appearance’ from Flatley himself (unfortunately only a huge LED screen) alongside his son Michael St James Flatley telling the audience that 20 years ago ‘they said it couldn’t be done’ and of course he has proved ‘them’ wrong.

The fast-paced tap routines and softer more lyrical numbers were highly impressive, enhanced by an array of spectacular and colourful costumes, including robots and white all in ones that resembled something out of Kylie Minogue ’s Can’t Get You Out of My head video.

The talented dance troupe, led by the highly enthusiastic showman Cathal Keaney (Lord of the Dance) encouraged the audience to cheer them on as they tapped their way through staged fight scenes and high energy numbers.

Also worth a mention were the fiddlers who somehow managed to play while moving quickly around the stage in heels, backed by a clapping audience.

The story, which becomes clearer as the show progresses, is basically a tale of good versus evil.

It acts out a dream by flute playing Little Spirit in which The Lord of the Dance, representing all that is good battles against The Dark Lord and his army of Dark Disciples, representing all that is bad. He is pulled between his true love Saoirse and the sensual seductress Morrighan. The Dark Lord attempts to get Little Spirit’s beloved flute in a bid to snap it in two so he can have ultimate power and steal the title of Lord of the Dance.

The show also features some solo performances by Erin the Goddess, which is meant to put into words what’s happening in the dances, which although was nicely sung, was unnecessary and a tad reminiscent of a Eurovision performance.

The story wraps up with another on-screen display by Flatley, proving who the true Lord of the Dance really is.

This was a fun, energetic and impressive performance which is worth seeing and will leave you tapping your feet too.

For more details or or to book click here .