Recently opened at The Phoenix Theatre, Once the Musical is definitely a great edition to the West End.
Based upon the film of the same name and featuring music by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, Once follows the interactions of an Irish busker (Guy) and a young Czech lady (Girl) who bond over their mutual love of music. We never find out their names but we find out a lot about their lives through the music that Guy has written. Girl encourages him to produce it and to follow his dreams whilst she uses the music to hide her own feelings about her situation.
In the film the songs are just interludes or background music to the scenes but in the musical they have been incorporated to really reflect each character and with the use of some interpretive dance they bring out emotions which would otherwise be hidden away.
The leads are brilliant, Guy being played by ex boyband Point Break member Declan Bennet, whose Irish tones resonate beautifully when combined with the gorgeous Eastern European voice of Zrinka Cvitešić who plays girl. She will have you crying through some of the songs. I recommend taking tissues. The main number, which is probably the most famous, 'Falling Slowly' is so haunting and moving, but when Zrinka sings 'The Hill', well I was a mess!! Amazingly acted and very funny in places too. And all the chorus, as well as the leads play their own instruments and their instruments become part of their characters on stage.
As soon as you walk into the theatre you are transported to an Irish Bar where the cast are on stage playing traditional Irish tunes and if you are lucky enough to be in the stalls (which we were and will explain how later) then you can join them onstage and even buy yourself a pint which comes in a specially merchandised cup (of which is reflected in the price but hey). The bar comes up again in the interval but no music sadly.
My only criticism really was the interpretive dance. In some places it just felt a bit random and separate to the story. I would also say that this is not your typical musical, it's not overblown or big band stylee. It is very folky and very Irish in places. The show certainly tries to big up the Irish, but in a good way!
Re tickets, if you have the time you can queue on the day for day seats. Apparently there are 10 day seats at the front for £20 and if those go they may sell off any other seats for slightly more money. We paid £25 and sat in the stalls and it was well worth it. If you haven't got time I would still recommend going to see it. The Phoenix is not a huge theatre and the view will be fine.
So overall... one of the best things and best new shows on the West End at the moment. It did win 8 Tony awards (tony...tony....tony....!!!) after all!! read more