Picture: Mark Senior
Once continues at the Milton Keynes Theatre until 22 February 2020 and then tours until 25 July 2020.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
A hit on Broadway and in the West End and based on the independent film by John Carney of the same name, Once is the heartfelt story about a Dublin guitarist and a Czech immigrant who are bought together through their love of music. Cultures collide, as the two lead characters’ friendship develops into romance and they seek to remedy the barriers in each of their lives.
Having experienced heartbreak and on the brink of giving up on his musical career, a chance encounter introduces the pair. The heroine brings light into the protagonist’s life, teaching him lessons in being open to opportunities and striving for a dream.
A cast of 17 with interchanging roles are ever-present on the stage, acting as the secondary characters and accompanying the scene with folk music from a beautifully played harmonica, ukulele and strings. The simple staging is raw and stripped back, as if to not interfere with the story, with the audience being taken through only a handful of backdrops, from Irish pub to music shop, the streets of Dublin to the recording studio. Even the costumes are pared down, with the characters remaining in their common, everyday clothes throughout.
Like the simplicity of the scenery and staging, we never learn the names of our central characters, but this by no means affects the audience’s connection to their honest and profound bond. A moving tale of laughter, loss and ultimately happiness, the music is the focal point, pulling the modest and unassuming script together. If you enjoy the upbeat and rustic sound of Irish folk music, mixed with ballads synonymous to Mumford & Sons and Bon Iver, then you’ll enjoy the music of Once.
Daniel Healy and Emma Lucia as the pivotal couple have a presence like no other on the stage and are able to portray their emotions through just a look. Words are minimal, which draws the audience in further, intensifying the connection between the characters, of which all are likeable. The atmosphere is broken with the occasional comic scene, especially from the leading lady’s joyous Czech family – don’t fear, it’s not all deep and meaningful emotions.
Having been fortunate enough to see the show during its West End run, I can safely say that nothing has been lost in the touring production. With evocative, affecting performances and an uplifting and motivating story, audiences will leave the theatre with a warm glow and moving lyrics embedded in their mind.
Hannah Grimmette
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