ESSENCE of Ireland is set to hit the Playhouse in Weston Super Mare with its powerful new touring production on March 7.

Set against the backdrop of Ireland, England and America in the 19th Century, Essence of Ireland tells the story of love, joy, happiness and heartache endured by Coro McGowen and Sean Dempsey as they are separated from each other and their beloved Ireland by emigration.

As the story moves across to England and then on to America, the show takes you on a journey through many historical events including America’s introduction to rock and roll and John F Kennedy’s historic presidential visit to Ireland in 1963.

Simultaneously heart-breaking and heartwarming, many of the much-loved Irish songs that run so deep within the country’s music heritage are seamlessly entwined within the show’s engaging story, including ‘Galway Girl’, ‘Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears’, ‘Tell me Ma’ and ‘Irish Rover’ along with original scores.

Essence of Ireland is the most complete and entertaining Irish show in the world today.

Ross Mills, director of production and cowriter of Essence of Ireland, said: “The Irish have a cultural identity like no other and that pride in their cultural identity, heritage and traditions, manifests itself in the global phenomenon that is St Patrick’s Day.

“The tour, which has been scheduled around St Patrick’s Day, aims to really capture that authentic Irish feeling and celebrate this infectious heritage, which is now shared by all cultures worldwide.

“The 2015 tour will include new material and new costumes so we are very excited about getting back on the road again.”

Essence of Ireland has a world class and multinational ensemble all of whom are immensely proud of their Irish heritage and deep seated roots giving a huge weight to the production’s strong sense of place and Irish identity.