Certainly not named after the number of times you should see it.
If you’re anything like my mother, you’ll be instantly delighted when you realise Once is full of “fiddle-dee-dee” music.
Even in the foyer, Irish music is playing to get the audience in the mood. As you wander into the auditorium, which is transformed into a traditional Irish pub complete with a smoky atmosphere and undoubtedly sticky tables, the music continues, this time by the wonderful cast.
An infectiously catchy tune segues smoothly into Guy’s opening number, played by Daniel Healy. He gets off to a slow start but hits his stride by the chorus with raw vocals.
For those of you familiar with John Carney’s 2007 film, the stage production follows the same script. A vacuum repairman moonlighting as a street musician, is approached by a Czech immigrant, played by Emma Lucia, who is also an aspiring singer‑songwriter. The pair, known only as Guy and Girl, decide to collaborate in an effort to win back Guy’s past love who moved to New York.
Despite this, there are no mental comparisons made during the play. This performance, directed by Peter Rowe, is entirely their own and it’s wonderful. After all, live music is always better.
And the music is indeed the highlight of this show. A mixture of genres from lively folk songs to beautiful ballads, every song is entrancing.
The Irish folk music seems slightly more engaging than the Czech, but both are rowdily hypnotic. Falling Slowly features the most exquisite climax as the strings join the piano to make the music swell with emotion, Lucia’s voice as smooth as caramel.
The musical skill among the cast is undeniable with many members picking up multiple instruments and not a note out of place. Especially impressive is Rosalind Ford who not only plays the cello, but plays while carrying it around, no mean feat!
The set design makes every song feel like the most intimate performance and the revelation of the moonlit sky towards the end manages to convey the distance between Guy and Girl despite only being metres apart.
Guy’s Irish cynicism meshes with Girl’s relentless optimism for a compelling relationship. Their longing is almost palpable, so it’s not just the characters who end up heartbroken.
Once is showing at The Belgrade until Saturday 14th March, when they continue their UK tour. You can purchase tickets here.
*****
Katie Reviews 