Irish touring show's costumes, shoes and instruments stolen in Christchurch overnight

The Dublin-based, international touring show THE RHYTHMS OF IRELAND, was robbed last night following the Christchurch show at the Isaac Theatre Royal.

Items valued at over $30,000 were stolen from the tour bus, including the production’s costumes, specialist tap shoes and instruments such as Irish Bodhran drum and violins.

Fortunately, with help from well-established Christchurch-based O’Neill School of Irish Dance and Southern Cross Irish Dance, the troupe sourced replacement shoes and some costuming.

"The local Irish dance community in Christchurch and retailers in Oamaru have been incredibly supportive, the community has really pulled together,” said Tour manager David Delaney who put out an urgent plea for help early this morning.

Rhythms of Ireland are due to perform at Oamaru Opera House tonight at 5pm. The promoters want to reassure all ticket holders the show will go on tonight in Oamaru at 5pm at the Oamaru Opera House, as scheduled. And the remainder of the tour will continue as planned.

Victoria Wardrobe, a retailer in the historical Victoria Precinct of Oamaru, has offered to stay open this Easter Sunday, to dress the 6 male dancers with much-needed trousers and shirts!

Rhythms of Ireland is made up of dancers and musicians from Dublin and all over the world. The producers chose 6 outstanding kiwi dancers to join the NZ tour, including two outstanding champion dancers from Christchurch, Shannon Dilger and Juliet Sewell. Plus the female lead dancer Ashleigh John, originally from Auckland. Ashleigh is a multi-award winning dancer now based in Ireland with her own company.

Rhythms of Ireland will perform 16 shows altogether around New Zealand, celebrating the company’s 10th Anniversary. The New Zealand tour opened in Dunedin last Sunday April 14, followed by shows in Invercargill, Ashburton and last night in Christchurch. (Four shows done and 12 to go).

The company will enjoy a much deserved day off on Easter Monday, before heading to Blenheim for a performance on Monday night at ASB Theatre then Whanganui, Palmerston North, Wellington, New Plymouth, Napier, Hamilton, Tauranga, Auckland then the last show in Kerikeri on May 8. www.rhythmsofireland.com

A reward is being offered.

© Scoop Media