ESSENCE of Ireland and its breathtaking dance routines is coming to Somerset this month.

The show, which combines Irish music and dance woven into a heart-warming tale, will play at the Octagon, in Yeovil, on Saturday June 23 as part of a national tour.

The performance follows the story of Sean Dempsey and Coro McGowen, who meet in Ireland in the 1940s, but are forced apart when Sean moves to New York to find work. The moving story depicts the letters sent between the two during their time apart.

Essence of Ireland, with its cast of talented dancers, singers and musicians, includees performances of classic songs such as Galway Girl, Carrickfergus, You Raise Me Up and Song for Ireland, to name a few.

With a live band and plenty of dazzling costumes, Essence of Ireland captures the true spirit of the Emerald Isle.

During this tour, Essence of Ireland is supporting little Thusha Kamaleswaran, the young girl caught up in a gangs crossfire whilst playing in her uncle’s shop. Thusha, whose dream was to become a dancer, was left paralysed from the waist down. The group, which invited Thusha and her family to a recent production in Guildford, is helping raise funds for her long term future. • There will be a matinee performance at 2.30pm and an evening one at 7.30pm. Tickets are £17 and are available from the box office on 01935 422 884. For more information, visit www.essenceofireland.co.uk • Funds to Thusha can be paid in directly to HSBC ‘Thusha Appeal Fund’ Account No 12239108 – sort code 40-07-30