THAT Lively Irish extravaganza Lord of the Dance storms into Blackpool next week for a four-week run at Blackpool Opera House.

Starting Tuesday (August 21) the show stars more than 40 dancers -- with an average age of 22 -- performing an energetic version of one of Ireland's most famous legends.

Organisers have promised "an evening of spectacular dancing" put together under the direction of one-time male lead Michael Flatley.

Flatley brought Lord of the Dance to the stage just eight weeks after his initial idea. That was five years ago and he is now artistic director overseeing several Lord of the Dance troupes performing around the world.

Two companies tour permanently in Europe and the USA, one troupe is resident in Las Vegas, another began a residency at Biloxi, Mississippi, last year and yet another was based in Disney World, Florida. So far seven million people in 23 different countries have seen Lord of the Dance.

The dancers for the Blackpool production are currently enjoying their second summer season in Bournemouth, having returned to the UK after sell-outs across Europe, USA, South America, South Africa and Japan.

The show's soundtrack was composed by Ronan Hardiman, whose other notable compositions include the theme music for RTE's Nine O'clock News, the Irish National Lottery and his solo album Solas.

Lord of the Dance runs August 21-September 15 at Blackpool Opera House. Shows start 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinees Thursday and Saturday. For tickets phone the box office on 292029.