Once The Musical

The set’s bar serves audience members their final drinks before clearing the stage for the performers to come on and play songs while the stragglers take their seats in the theatre.

Eventually, the light dims and we witness the first proper song of the musical; but this is not your regular chorus-filled spectacular. The cast doubles as the orchestra, with each actor also adept at playing an instrument and singing (and all equally as strong in all three areas). In one breath-catching scene, all of the cast sing hushed harmonies acappella.

The storyline – revolving around love, community, musical ambition and the burgeoning attraction between a man and a woman – is uncluttered, allowing the music to be the real hero; that, and the script’s numerous hilarious quips and one-liners, which the actors deliver with expert timing and charming expression. Simple choreography, at times surreal, is incorporated to great effect, adding visual texture to complement the songs.
Not so much a musical as an intimate-feeling live music performance with warm, colourful characters and a romantic narrative, Once The Musical is a light-hearted, often stirring display of some serious talent (and many a folk ballad).

Princess Theatre to 31 Dec