Grand Opera House York – until Sat 8 February 2020
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
Based on the film of the same name and the book by Enda Walsh, Once is currently touring the UK and is in York until Saturday.
Straight from the get go we are treated to the musical sounds and energy of a good old Irish pub. As we are sitting there waiting, even before the play starts, musicians casually stroll on stage and just start playing setting the tone and promise of what is to come.
Once is essentially a boy meets girl story, a love story that intertwines Irish folk music with a yearning love. It follows the story of Guy (Daniel Healy), who is ready to throw away his music, and guitar, after one last busking session. Girl (Emma Lucia) just so happens to catch his final “performance” and recognising his talent, doggedly encourages him to not throw it all away.
Set over five short days we learn that lovelorn Guy, his girlfriend has gone off to America and met someone else, just wants to give up, but quirky, stubborn Czech Girl will not let him. She has her own story, married with a young daughter, with a husband nowhere to be found. They come together with their love of music and her belief in him. They make music together, recording his own original work in the studio. They fall in love and he falls back in love with his music, but does it have that fairy-tale ending? You’ll just have to watch it and see.
Both Healy and Lucia bring to life their characters, and we believe in them. At times though I felt their chemistry was lacking a little something. Their vocals were always powerful and at times very emotive, which helped. I especially liked how Lucia played Girl, direct and a straight shooter, but with a comedic element and Healy’s heartfelt vocals.
The icing on the cake though are the ensemble, they are excellent and really make the show what it is. All the cast sing and play their own instruments, some I’ve never seen before. Multi talented, they bring such boundless energy and life to the show, making such splendid music together.
Music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, this musical is a whirlwind of a show. Great music and a true classic that should be on your go and see list.