The musical, written by award-winning composer John Anderson, takes to the stage of three major Irish venues, beginning with Belfast's Grand Opera House on Monday September 29 to October 4.

It will also be presented at The Helix, Dublin on Saturday-Sunday October 11-12, and the Millennium Forum, Londonderry on October 14-20.

Named after the first emigrant vessel out of Ulster to the United States in 1636, The Eagle Wing, which sailed from Groomsport in Co Down, the show is a parallel of modern-day and historic events reflecting themes of universal significance.

The show's cast will be led by Ulster-born international singer Peter Corry alongside Scotland's leading folk singer and actor Alyth McCormack.

Broadcaster George Jones will be joined by B. J. Hogg of TV's 'Give My Head Peace' fame and local actors Paddy Jenkins and Marty Maguire will fill the character roles, as the epic tale explores 400 years of the Scots-Irish Presbyterian odyssey from humble beginnings in the Lowlands of Scotland via Ulster to the brave new world of America.

The large supporting cast has been selected from auditions
held throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.

On Eagle's Wing, an original musical spectacular, was originally staged at a sell-out two shows at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast in May 2004 and recorded for network transmission across America.

John Anderson, the show's composer, has developed the show into a passionately-told story of characters who experience the timeless sentiments of passion and persecution.

"Music and dance play a hugely important role enhancing and illustrating the many themes emerging from this story of a people's courageous journey in search of a better life, " says Mr Anderson.

"The original music score, featuring evocative anthems such as 'Where Eagles Fly' and foot-tapping melodies as in 'Thank You Sir', has also been further enhanced with new musical and choral arrangements. As a result 'On Eagle's Wing' is a wonderfully rich and intimate theatrical experience for the whole family," he adds.

* More than 200,000 people from the Ulster-Scots diaspora left these shores for America during the 18th century and they made an outstanding contribution to the establishment of the United States.