HAVING played Michael Flatley’s arch nemesis in Lord Of The Dance for the past 15 years, Tom Cunningham is performing alongside the legend of Irish dance on his final tour of the internationally acclaimed show.

“It’s just exciting to be involved in something this big as an Irish dancer, to be something that’s part of Irish culture,” he says.

His character Dark Lord Don Dorcha, provides the counterpart to the light, ethereal Lord Of The Dance played by Flatley, who as well as directing the show is performing throughout the Brighton run except for the Saturday matinee.

“Over time there are scenes that are just completely rewritten so you’re constantly redefining your character,” says Cunningham. “You’re never too old to learn on the stage. “Playing one role for a long time you become quite attached, it becomes implanted into your consciousness. It’s constantly growing and changing.

“The best scenes are the clashes between good and evil, there’s just so much energy and power.”

Softly spoken and modest Cunningham seems more comfortable talking about his famous co-star than himself.

“Michael’s a legend and to share the stage together with him is just fantastic,” he says.

“His mind is always racing. Michael is always the first one there in the morning and the last one out at night. He works amazingly hard but he expects everyone else to work just as hard too.”

Now 36, Cunningham has been dancing since the age of five and touring with Lord Of The Dance from 18 years old.

Despite that he says pre-performance nerves never quite go away.

“It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been doing it, you always have a bit of the butterflies before you go on stage. That never leaves.

“But as soon as you step out onto the stage, you’re part of the action. It’s such an adrenaline rush, you just give it everything you’ve got.”

When asked about his worst stage mishap Cunningham is quick to laugh: “I’ve fallen on my backside a few times, it can be a bit embarrassing but you just have to pick yourself up. I’ve been lucky enough never to come away with serious injuries, more of a bruised ego than anything else!”

His happiest memory of touring with Lord Of The Dance is of performing on his home turf.

“When I performed with Michael in Dublin I had a lot of family and friends there,” he says.

“The energy was just amazing.

“Knowing you’ve got people there supporting you, dancing with Michael, being very aware of where we were, it was just magical.”

Cunningham is no stranger to performing in Brighton. On a long distance call from Finland, where he is currently touring, he speaks of his excitement on returning to the UK.

“I’ve performed in Brighton quite a few times, there’s always a fantastic crowd,” he says.

“We’re really excited to perform there again.”

Following his Brighton performances Flatley will not appear on tour again until the last UK and Ireland show at Wembley’s SSE Arena in July.

“It’s going to be a really bittersweet moment obviously, with Michael hanging up his shoes, but it’s going to be an amazing night,” says Cunningham.

“It will be very, very emotional but absolutely fantastic to be part of.”

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