GED Graham admits that some theatregoers have the wrong impression of Seven Drunken Nights, a show which celebrates the life and music of one of Irish music’s most influential groups, The Dubliners.

“People do come with preconceptions sometimes that it’s going to be five hairy blokes stood in front of microphone stands singing folk songs,” said Ged, who both created and stars in the show. “But it couldn’t be any further away from that, although granted we are five hairy men!”

The show which comes to Preston’s Charter Theatre next Friday takes the audience through the remarkable 50 year career of the Dubliners from their early days meeting in O’Donohue’s pub in Dublin to becoming one of Ireland’s most famous exports.

“We have put together a show which engages an audience on various levels,” said Ged.

“There is a really good storyline running through it so they will perhaps learn things they didn’t know about.

“Then, on another level, we play as many of those great songs as possible and give everyone a fantastic Irish night out.”

Audiences have been flocking to the show and it is not just diehard Dubliners fans who have been attracted the the experience.

“There really is a mixture of people,” said Ged. “They range from those who saw the Dubliners in the Seventies to youngsters who have been brought up with Irish music around the house. Then there are those who have been dragged along by their mates or their partners. But it doesn’t matter because they all come away having had a really good night.”

Formed in 1962, the Dubliners were at the forefront of taking Irish music into the mainstream.

“At the time the Dubliners came through it was at height of emigration,” said Ged. “They were in the right place at the right time.”

With original members Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew, the band took traditional folk songs and blended them with their own material for live shows which became renowned for their energy.

“Over the years some of the music has got diluted,” said Ged. “You do get people who think ‘Not the Irish Rover again’ and often you can’t blame them.

“We’re aiming to life the music of the Dubliners rather than doing impersonations of them. We want to put the songs into context so the audience can appreciate them more.

“We also wanted to bring the energy of the songs back so the audience can experience the energy the Dubliners had at the height of their career.”

The show takes its name from the Dubliners most notorious song which was banned by Irish radio.

“It was the best thing that could have happened,” said Ged. “The single got played by Radio Caroline and it led to the Dubliners appearing on Top of the Pops in 1967 which opened them up to a whole new audience.

“For us, it’s an absolute pleasure to be able to present their songs and tell their story.”

Seven Drunken Nights Charter Theatre, Preston, Friday, April 13. Details from 01772 804444 or www.prestonguildhall.co.uk