Once the Musical Stage Review

David Hunter and understudy Sophie Reid are phenomenal in the roles of Guy and Girl in hit musical ONCE in London’s West End.

The film Once is a 2006 low-budget movie by John Carney and the musical is based on the film of the same name.  It tells the story of a Dublin busker who is ready to quit with music until a girl comes along and changes that.

Throughout the musical you’re constantly routing for the two leads to get together despite certain problems.

You’re transported back to Dublin as soon as you enter the theatre being able to go up on stage for a pre-show drink whilst the cast plays some Irish songs to warm up the audience.

As the lights dim, David Hunter begins to sing a haunting rendition of ‘Leave’ and from that moment on you’re in for a roller coaster of emotions.

You’ll laugh at certain scenes particularly when Svec (Matthew Ganley) is on stage. He has a few scenes were he does a really bad Irish accent, and in the second half he takes off his trousers to play the drums ‘quietly.’

There’s a particular moment in the show where Guy and Girl are trying to convince the bank manager (Jez Unwin) to give them a loan so they can record some songs which ends well but they have to sit through the bankers song ‘Abandon Bandon’ first which proves rather funny.

Amongst the laughing there’s also smiling. Anytime Billy (Tim Prottey Jones) is on stage you’ll likely find yourself cracking a smile. He proves his protective side for Girl when he meets Guy for the first time, which results in him doing some kung fu moves and putting his hip out.

Of course, with laughter and smiles, there also comes tears.  Mainly near the end with the acapella of ‘Gold’ and ‘Falling Slowly’ when Girl is presented with the piano she plays for Guy just moments after he met her. If that doesn’t have you trying to hold back the tears, I don’t know what will.

A strong performance from all of the cast and a show you should definitely go and see if you get the chance.

Theatre Information:  Once

Theatre:  Phoenix

Box Office:  0844 871 7644

Website details:  www.oncemusical.co.uk

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