The Irish House Party at South Mill Arts in Bishop’s Stortford on Tuesday February 18

Get ready for a night of foot stomping Irish music, mesmerising dancing and craic at South Mill Arts next month.

The Irish House Party will transport audience members to the heart of an impromptu Irish house party for an evening of traditional music, dance and comedy on Tuesday February 18.

From the infectious energy and humour of the musicians to the lightning-fast footwork of the dancers, the show captures the essence of Ireland’s musical heritage.

It celebrates centuries-old traditions with a contemporary twist. There are no twee costumes or backing tracks, just a proper live theatre experience.

The Bishop’s Stortford show is part of a three-week UK tour.

“We were blown away by the reaction to our last UK tour and are delighted to be able to extend it to a three-week run this time,” said Declan Quinn, one of the show’s co-founders.

“[Traditional Irish house parties were] originally associated with people emigrating from Ireland to the UK, Canada, America and Australia. Neighbours and friends would gather in the house the night before. Tunes would be played, songs would be sung and dances danced on the stone kitchen floor.

“These parties were great fun and this coming together and sharing of the music, song and dance has been a major reason why the music tradition has survived so strongly in Ireland.”

The tour coincides with the release of The Irish House Party’s new single, The Rattlin Bog. With its infectious melody and fun lyrics, the track perfectly captures the essence of the show itself.

“We want people who come to the show to feel like they are coming into a friend’s house,” said Quinn.

“It is a really intimate way to experience our music and dance and for us as performers to be able to connect with the audience.”

Tickets for the show on Tuesday February 18, priced £22, can be bought at southmillarts.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01279 710200.