Events in Wearside

It is hard to believe how six minutes entertainment can change anyone's life so dramatically and eventually be seen and appreciated by millions of people worldwide.

Yet that was the challenge given to TV producer Moya Doherty back in 1994 when she was producing the Eurovision Song Contest in Ireland.

And her efforts, along with director John McColgan, resulted in the legendary idea which is better known to theatre-goers everywhere as Riverdance.

Moya Doherty

The phenomenal show combines the inspiring and melodic music by Bill Whelan with the celebration of Irish dance and culture.

"I had to come up with an interval act for over six minutes while the judges went off to vote," said Moya.

"I wanted to draw from the roots of our past with some showbiz and approached Bill Whelan to write the music. The seeds of Riverdance were then sown."

The response to the interval act was overwhelming and Ireland also won Eurovision which meant the contest would return a year later. This gave Moya a 12 month deadline to develop Riverdance into a show for the theatre to capitalise on the initial success.

Michael Flatley and Jean Butler were approached to take the lead dancing roles.

Michael Flatley

Both had links with Ireland and understood the great significance of Irish dancing but that didn't stop them devising their own interpretations.

Traditionally Irish dancing is performed either as a solo act or as a set but never in a straight line featuring as many as 30 dancers.

"They were just pounding the earth like a drum with their feet," said Moya.

"With Bill's music and Michael's dancing it forced everybody onto their feet."

Moving east

Moya used her production skills to gather investors to develop Riverdance further as she could see the great potential for television and theatre alike.

At one point there was even a shortfall of funding to the tune of £600,000 but the determination of Moya and John pushed the project through.

Riverdance farewell tour

"If it had failed somebody could have come after me for the money but there was little chance it could lose," she said. "It was challenging from both a business and creative perspective."

Since 1995 Riverdance has been experienced by millions of people worldwide and more than two billion have seen it on television.

The modest producer concedes Riverdance is a "once in a lifetime" journey but its success is also a tribute to every dancer, singer, musician and crew member who have worked on the show.

This 2009 tour, which includes a visit to the Sunderland Empire in April, is the final opportunity to see Riverdance in this country.

Maria Buffini - Riverdance farewell tour

"It is the UK final tour and although 'we never say never' it is to concentrate on new places like the Far East, India and Dubai," said Moya.

While watching Riverdance on TV or listening to Bill Whelan's powerful score on CD are enjoyable experiences, the full impact of Riverdance will only truly be felt at theatres. Moya promises the final tour will deliver an energetic performance.

Meanwhile she is busy developing a new Dolly Parton musical for Broadway - after gaining the blessing of the international country star herself.

Moya Doherty is proof that if you have the idea and determination then anything is possible.