WHILE the fans applauded Michael Flatley's new show, Lord of the Dance, which opened in London on Tuesday night, the critics' comments were far more restrained, with one describing it as embarrassing.
As two physiotherapists and a doctor stood in the wings, Flatley, who has insured his legs for £25 million sterling, was forced to take several painkillers to ease the pain of a torn calf muscle before leading his dancers on stage for the first night of his show at the Coliseum Theatre.
The packed house, which included the pop star Elton John, Viscount Linley and the film director, Michael Winner, watched in awe and rose to their feet twice to applaud the Irish American dancer.
After enjoying three encores, Flatley hurled the bouquet of flowers he had held aloft in victory into the audience as a sign of his gratitude.
Afterward's, he declared the audiences reaction proved that Lord of the Dance is superior to his former show, Riverdance.
"We didn't come here to finish second. We came expecting the highest, hoping for the best and in the end I was overwhelmed. There was quite a buzz out there and it was a great audience. I've never known a reaction like it," he said, before limping off to the celebration party at the Savoy.
However, many of the critics did not share his view. In a biting review, the Daily Telegraph argued that Riverdance was "well rid of him" and dismissed Lord of the Dance as "cynical and synthetic" like a Las Vegas arcade game.
"I admit there is a perverse if ignoble pleasure in watching a monster ego running riot, but in the end, there is only one word for it all embarrassing," the critic said.
Although the London Evening Standard dance critic, Anne Sacks, also described the show as "an ego trip", she admitted Flatley's ability could not be ignored.
The London run of the show was, originally scheduled for three days, but it has now been extended to four weeks, which are virtually sold out. The show will then tour Britain before going to America.