A Montreal performer had made history as the first Canadian to take on the lead role in Lord of the Dance —the world-famous Irish dance show seen by millions. Now, Lucas Lawton is being honoured with the 2026 Liam Daly Heritage Award for sharing Irish culture with audiences around the globe.
“I never even had considered before that that’s what I was doing,” he told CityNews. “Spreading heritage around the world, I’ve always just been so excited to be in the show.”
At just seven years old, Lawton stepped foot into Irish dancing.
He then fell in love with the Lord of the Dance show after his mother gifted him a VHS of the production, which has been running since 1996.
“Lord of the Dance is a show from beginning to end of 100 per cent Irish dancing,” said the performer. “It tells a story of good versus evil.”
“It’s 30 dancers on stage,” he added. “It’s high energy. It’s exciting. It’s loud. There’s amazing music.”
A post shared by Lucas Lawton (@lucaslawts)
Lawton landed a virtual audition during the pandemic for their spinoff show, Feet of Flames.
Later, he was selected by Michael Flatley, the show’s creator credited with reinventing traditional Irish dance, to play him in the role of The Lord of the Dance.
“It was really beyond my wildest dreams to ever even step foot on that stage,” he said, smiling. “It was worth all the hard work and all the years.”
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“Why do I love Irish dance? You know what it’s been like, my identity, to be honest, ever since I was a kid,” Lawton explained. “I get to put on the biggest Irish dance show in the world.”
The production is now celebrating its 30th anniversary.
What Lawton is doing –celebrating Irish culture– that’s what he is being honoured for by the United Irish Societies of Montreal.
“For his outstanding contributions to promoting Irish dance and for representing Montreal’s Irish community with distinction on the world stage, the United Irish Societies of Montreal is proud to present Mr. Lucas Lawton with the Liam Daly Heritage Award for 2026,” they wrote on their website.
You can catch Lawton in the show as it tours the world, on social media, or even while he’s giving Irish dance lessons in the city.
He’ll also be amongst those leading this year’s Montreal Saint Patrik’s Day parade on March 22.
“Hopefully, you know, I’m inspiring the next generation of dancers here in Montreal to pursue their dreams,” he said. “And hopefully one day end up on the world stage like me.”
