A SINCERE AND SPIRITED TRIBUTE TO A ROCK HERO

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

There is a particular challenge that comes with telling the story of a rock icon on stage. Do you cater primarily to the fans who know every lyric and anecdote, or do you shape the narrative for those coming to the story fresh? Moonlight at the Apollo, the latest production from John and Danielle Merrigan, attempts to strike a balance between the two. The result is a largely enjoyable evening that gives the devoted crowd plenty to cheer about while offering newcomers an accessible, if occasionally uneven, introduction to the man behind the legend.

The show adopts an inventive framework. We find ourselves in a heavenly waiting room—a sort of purgatory for artists—where two literary giants, Brendan Behan and Oscar Wilde, await the arrival of a new resident: Philip Lynott. The audience is guided through a musical journey as Lynott, having died at just 36, reflects on his life from the very beginning. We follow his origins, from his conception and childhood in Dublin to his rise as the frontman of Thin Lizzy and his eventual untimely demise. It is a creative conceit that allows the production to function as both a biography and a philosophical meditation on legacy.

The production rests squarely on the shoulders of Peter M. Smith, who takes on the role of Lynott with extraordinary talent. His performance is the undeniable highlight of the evening. Smith captures the frontman’s distinctive charisma, channeling both his swagger and his more vulnerable, poetic side with remarkable authenticity. Vocally, he is a force, and when the live band kicks in, the theatre takes on the electric atmosphere of a genuine rock concert. For the fans in attendance—and there were many—these moments landed with particular power.

That said, the production is not without its rough edges. During the first half, there were some noticeable sound imbalances, with certain microphones levels sitting a touch too high. While never enough to derail the performance entirely, these technical hiccups were a minor distraction. Similarly, the narrative could benefit from some tightening. The dialogue, particularly in the interactions between Lynott and his literary hosts, occasionally loses momentum, with stretches that feel more like a straightforward recitation of biographical facts than the natural, heartfelt exchanges the premise promises.

Despite these imperfections, Moonlight succeeds in what it sets out to do. It is a sincere and spirited tribute to a rock hero, and the audience’s enthusiasm throughout was a testament to its appeal. For someone like myself, who had long known the myths surrounding Lynott but little of the man himself, the show offered genuine insight. It is an entertaining and informative evening that balances reverence with entertainment, earning a solid three stars.

Moonlight – The Philip Lynott Enigma was performed at Eventim Apollo on Sunday 29 March before embarking on a UK tour.

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Photo Credit: Cormac Figgis