RIVERDANCE made a triumphant return to Southampton last night as the Irish dancing behemoth celebrates 20 years of touring the world.

In the two decades since its inception, Riverdance has come a long way from the original seven-minute interval performance it began life as.

Now the show celebrates Celtic mythology and the cultural impact the Irish diaspora has on the world – which ironically, the show itself is arguably the biggest modern day example of.

The show begins with haunting vocals and a more traditional take on Irish dancing, with the lightfooted female dancers reeling around stage in soft shoes.

The first half of the show focuses on the natural gods and myths which shaped the culture of Ireland before the country itself existed, with atmospheric lighting on the minimalist set.

Riverdance is as much about the music as it is the dancing.

Indeed the haunting Caoineadh Chú Chulainn is just a lone uilleann piper, while the aweinspiring Thunderstorm is a dance without music. Its sole rhythm is the merciless beating of the male dancer’s feet.

Unusually, the bit you are most familiar with – the Riverdance itself – actually comes at the end of the first act, culminating the Celtic mythology section.

The return following the interval sees the show travel forward a millennia or two, to the beginning of mass Irish emigration.

From here, the show shows an incredible range of influences, be they Spanish flamenco or the incredible Russian dancers.

Of course, the Irish influences will always remain centre-stage and the dance off in Trading Taps has long been one of the most popular aspects of Riverdance. The energy and charisma shown by the competing dancers is matched only by their flair and ability as the Irish face up to the challenge of the American tap dancers.

There is even a new dance for the UK tour, as the show continues to evolve.

The final reprise of Riverdance – which has a somewhat more international flavour – makes full use of the Mayflower stage and leaves you in no doubt as to how and why the show has been such a huge success for 20 years.

Indeed, it’s hard to imagine it will ever stop appealing to audiences all over the world.

• Riverdance is at The Mayflower Theatre until Saturday, December 6. Tickets available at mayflower.org