When I first saw "Ceilidh" on the list as one of the shows for the Hippodrome, I perked up. Having been to Scotland, I have ceilidhed, though it's been a while. I tried to find more info, like it was called Ceilidh: A New Musical, which implied a musical, but I couldn't find much information beyond an interview with two of the creators where they explained that ceilidh was traditional Scottish dancing, and one recording of one song. Usually you can find a trailer that hints at a plot, a review something. So I reached out to a friend and was like I have no idea what this is, but wanna come see it with me. She agreed. The seating was all general admission. (While the Bank Exchange is part of the Hippodrome, it is an auditorium set up, so designed for different events than in the larger theater.)
The seating, as we discovered was set up along three sides of the main room, with a large dancing area in the middle. There were bars that were open for much of the performance, and water stations. The musicians were on stage. And I noticed a few people with microphones on seating themselves in the seating.
The story is reminiscent of a jukebox musical. The songs are original (with one exception). But the plot is an excuse to get to each dance. (Did it still make me tear up? Yes.) The plot introduces us to a ceilidh caller, who is from a long line of callers. He guides the audience through ceilidh 101, and various characters show up, encouraging audience members to join in the ceilidhs if they wish.
The audience was also given a chance to try haggis (including a vegetarian option) and given whisky or apple juice to toast with, and shortbread as we left.
If like me, you haven't ceilidhed in a while, there was plenty of instruction. If you've never ceilidhed, same. If audience participation is not your jam, you could sit in the back row. A few people brought kids, and they seemed to enjoy it. Plus kids are much better at jumping in to dance and going with the flow.