How often do you find the right person? Once.
Obtaining a ticket to a musical usually gives you the sense that you’re going to be immersed in jazz hands, split jumps and just general razzle dazzle. This musical is nothing like that. It’s called Once – about an Irish guy, and a Czech girl that admires his music. I went into it blind – with no knowledge about the show’s story, its music, or staging. All I knew was that it’s a stage adaptation of a 2007 film.
First of all, I have to comment on the set – and the entire atmosphere that you walk in on. I’ve never seen a better-designed set for simplicity, authenticity, and practicality. And any other words ending with ‘ity’. As we took our seats, we were immediately looking in on an intricate Dublin pub, with its own stage and seating areas. The stupidly talented actor-musicians, or actor-musos, brought it to life as they played everything from accordions to banjos, fiddles to cellos, and more, right in front of our eyes. There was no band in this pit, because they were all on stage.
Before long the theatre was full of lively and contagious Irish folk music – and the show hadn’t even started. The audience was captivated – myself included – as our leading man, simply named ‘Guy’ (Daniel Healy), instructed the musicians that the next song was a slow one. That’s when ‘Girl’ (Emma Lucia) took her seat in the bar to watch with the rest of us. As if by magic, the house lights started to gradually dim, easing us from the energetic pre-show into the real thing.
The story of Once tells the tale of singer-songwriter Guy and his new biggest fan Girl, who discovers him performing his own music. After quickly recognising that Hoover-repair-man Guy has hit a low point in his life, she pushes him (in her self-proclaimed ‘serious’ Czech ways) to keep playing – and ultimately chase after his muse ex-girlfriend on an adventure to New York. And it’s somewhat of a true story, with the music written by real-life composer friends: Dublin-based Glen Hansard and Czech-born Marketa Irglova, who also starred in the movie. They even won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2008 with Falling Slowly. Some people get all the talent.
Something else that took me by surprise was the comedy. This show is absolutely hilarious. And it’s not always funny in an obvious way – sometimes it’s just the hints of naturalistic banter that oozes from the actor-musos’ genuine chemistry. While it tackles some sensitive subjects early on, you don’t stop smiling from start to finish.
I’m used to reviewing shows that acknowledge the impressive talents of the cast, or maybe the dancing. And I’m absolutely not taking those compliments away from this team either – Healy and Lucia shine as Guy and Girl; but it’s the non-stop energy, music and real acting from the supporting cast that brings this show to life in ways I’ve never experienced in any other show. And while it’s no ‘Fame’ or ‘42nd Street’, the choreography (Francesca Jaynes) is superb – fulfilling its purpose perfectly of enhancing and enveloping both the music and direction.
Now for comments I don’t usually make: the lighting. While being a lighting designer or operator is an incredibly difficult and talented job, it’s not usually the thing that people leave the theatre talking about. Except this one. The lighting works actual magic, creating wonderful scene changes without anything or anyone even moving on stage. Huge props to Mark Dymock for being the designer behind this one. Stunning.
Something else I have to say is that, even though I went into this show relatively ignorant, I knew it was going to involve folk music. And anyone that knows me knows that I’m not a fan of folk music. But this show has delved so deeply into what folk music actually means and how it’s supposed to be performed that for the first time in my life I actually got it. It was no longer note-bashing on a fiddle – I really felt it and wanted to just get up, grab a triangle and stomp about in Dublin with the musicians. Songs from this show have made it into my February Spotify playlist. That is a big deal. So even if you’re not a fan of folk – or you don’t think you’re a fan of folk – do not rule this show out. Your eyes, and ears, will be opened; and you might discover something about yourself.
Finally, I just want to acknowledge the speed in which this cast received a standing ovation. I could have jumped up and down with confetti and balloons as simply standing didn’t seem to be enough recognition for the plaudits this company deserved. I was blown away. Completely and utterly blown away. And so was everyone around me. From the instant that the final song ended – a beautiful reprise of Falling Slowly – people were straight out of their seats. I’ve been fortunate enough to see shows on Broadway and the West End, and I’ve never seen an audience so keen to show their gratification and praise. That alone speaks volumes.
I don’t usually give a rating when I review things, because I think ratings alone are too vague – does three out of five mean it’s rubbish? My three might be your one. Maybe some people are too reluctant to ever give a five. Well let me tell you this: Once gets a huge five out of five from me. I’m genuinely surprised to be saying it because I didn’t think I’d be a fan, but I’m already planning when I can go and see it again.
Phenomenal. Book your tickets.
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