Once (The West End)
Directed by John Tiffany
Phoenix Theatre, London – 09 Oct 14
If in the near future you see just one show, you should choose Once without any hesitation. Based on the book by Enda Walsh and the film by John Carney, this “revolutionary new musical” is a stunning compilation of fantastic live music, inventive theatricality, and a truly believable storyline. The music alone – written by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, both of whom starred in the film – is enough to justify the enthusiasm in this review, and this adaptation from screen to stage goes beyond the traditional interpretation of ‘musical theatre’ and creates something far more understated and powerful.
Theatre is an art form that unfortunately encompasses a boundary between the artist and the spectator, so it is a rarity to attend a theatrical show and feel positively involved in the production in some form. Once unconventionally breaks down the divide between the performers and the audience in a pre-show intermingle, in which the audience can wander freely onto the stage and buy drinks at the set’s own bar, whilst listening to the cast’s on-stage warm-up of traditional folk songs (the only downside of this is the subsequent disappointment that these pre-show songs aren’t included on the soundtrack!). A captivating folksy ambiance is immediately established by this means of opening the show, settling the audience into the perfect frame of mind for the rest of the performance.
Talent overflows from the Once cast members throughout the entire show, and the amalgamation of music and dance demonstrates this in a truly unique manner. The dancing varies from simple pedestrian movements to strong upbeat numbers of stamping and clapping, but is all done with the cast simultaneously playing the show’s live music. Obviously this is all rehearsed, but there is a refreshingly spontaneous feel to performances. The songs come at everyday moments within the story – busking on the street, at a karaoke night, hanging out with a group of friends – but also accompany the scene changes. Scenic designer Bob Crowley’s one scene set of the inside of a bar serves throughout the entire show, so the instrumental breaks add flow and progression to the storyline.
Like reading a book, attending a show at the theatre is often motivated by the chance for escapism. However, immersing oneself in another world usually also involves a jolt back to reality when the curtain closes, but Once is different in the world it portrays. Set in Dublin, a guy (played by David Hunter) meets a girl (Jill Winternitz) and they play music. That is pretty much it. Other characters get involved, but it comes down to one guy and one girl and they music they play together. It is arguably a love story, but as much about a mutual love for music as love for another person. All in all, the story is so natural and unassuming you can lose yourself in it without having to bring yourself back to reality afterwards. It feels, quite simply, real.
Once is without a doubt a production of artistic brilliance, and if you like theatre, music or both you will love this show. It has appeal on so many levels, and absolutely deserves to be seen, heard and enjoyed by as many people as possible. For myself, seeing this show once is definitely not enough.
NB: Once will be ending in London’s West End in March 2015 before starting a European tour – see it whilst you still can!
All the World's a Stage 