MICHAEL Flatley - creator, producer, director, choreographer, teacher and flautist - is always welcome on Merseyside, whether in person or hologram form.

At the Empire he appears in a magical projection with his young son in a curtain-raiser for this ongoing, successful touring show, disappearing in front of a huge clock.

It is just one striking scene in a show packed with hi-tech visuals and traditonal Irish dancing where upper body movement is a highlight, especially when aided by edgy rythms.

This is a two-act show were the traditional meets the futuristic.

There's certainly a Star Wars-styled influence and that adds to the drama and grand spectacle.

It is still the tale of good versus evil - The Lord versus Dark Lord.

And while the traditional, stunning Irish dancing is as vibrant and joyful as ever there's some new and exciting developments involving scary robots. 

This is a colour-splashed, fast-paced theatrical experience celebrating 20 years since Mr Flatley first gave us Riverdance, chaNging the face of Irish dance forever.

Lord of The Dance continued his global appeal.

This show premiered in 2014.

It features new staging, state-of-the-art technology and new music from Gerard Fahey.

It has a distinct Las Vegas feel - and travels well.

There are Disney-esque back projections, shots of the moon, outer space, waterfalls, castles and moving pages from a huge, imaginative pop-up book.

There are power ballads from Erin the Goddess and two violinists, whose talent shines as wide as their smiles and as sparkly as their costumes.

Indeed, costume changes are quick as the 30 dancers pack in so much in each of the 45-minute acts.

On the opening night of this week-long run, Mancunian James Keegan cleary loved every minute as Lord as did Zoltan Papp as the Dark Lord.

Choreography as always is inventive and exhilirating.

Robojig is a great Act Two opener.

Erin-Kate McIlravey commanded the stage as the Lord's true love - Saorise.

While Andrea Kren oozed sex appeal as Morrighan the Seductress.

The show certainly packs a punch and there a definite high voltage of male and female sexuality.

The Chieftans versus the Dark Disciples - but who will win the fight to the end?

The pyro-technics will certainly appeal to the youngsters while we oldies loved every Flatley-fused creative movement.

Lord of the Dance has its place in theatre history from London to the provinces, Broadway to every capital avaialble across the world.

Dangerous Games taks the story further down the line.

Flatley, in the programme, says the company are constantly evolving and developing and that if we really want to achieve our dreams we must work hard.

Well this 40-strong company is relishing being his dedicated dream-chasers.

When your holograms receive a standing ovation from members of the audience it is clear inspirational.

Michael Flatley - now formally retired from the stage - will always have the world at his feet.

Four Stars - uplifting and electrifying

The show is at the Empire until January 14.

Tickets from the box office on 0844 871 3017