Riverdance the fastest selling show in the history of Irish theatre is ready to open in Dublin and take on the world.

At a preview ahead of Riverdance of the opening gala performance at the Point Depot cast and crew talked about their hopes for the show. An original run was planned for twenty days but with demand so great another seven extra dates were added and they sold out in one day.

There are plans to take Riverdance on the road and present it to audiences around the world. Producer Moya Doherty says a number of eminent international producers are coming to see the show.

Riverdance first wowed audiences as the interval act at the Eurovision Song Contest in the Point Depot in April 1994. As well as Irish influences, the show includes choral and dance influences from other countries.

Composer Bill Whelan, who wrote the original music for Riverdance, has enjoyed working with other international artists.

The show has a cast and production crew of a hundred and fifty people, including leading traditional and contemporary musicians.

Leading male dancer Michael Flately has been working flat out rehearsing for the show and is thrilled to be dancing with thirty other Irish dancers.

They are the best in the world I think we are going to show the world some stuff tonight. I really feel confident.

Principal female dancer Jean Butler is anxious but looking forward to the curtain going up.

An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 February 1995. The reporter is Colm Connolly.