Jane McGowan enjoys a night of folk-filled delight at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking...
OUR VERDICT
Based on the 2007 quirky independent film that follows a pair of star-crossed lovers as they make their way from heartbreak to happiness, and back again, Once (the musical) is somewhat a victim of its own success.
Back in 2011 when the show first hit the West End, its entertaining mix of authentic Irish melodies, naturalistic staging and an onstage ensemble made up of all-singing, all-dancing performers were fresh and exciting.
However, fast forward nine years, and the format has become something of the norm thanks to shows such as Girl from the North Country, Amelie and even Angela’s Ashes.
That aside, the piece has a gentleness and a warmth that is matched only by a raft of wonderful songs, all masterfully sung and played by the talented cast.
The story, adapted by the multi-award-winning Enda Walsh from an original screenplay by John Carney, revolves around a character simply known as ‘Guy’, a lovelorn musician who vows never to perform again after his girlfriend quits Dublin for a more exciting life in New York, and ‘Girl’, a Czech immigrant whose innocence and joie du vivre gradually begin to chip away at his wounded heart until they stand not only on the brink of a beautiful musical partnership but also a romantic pairing.
Along the way, we meet members of their communities as we are reminded of the importance of family – even if they are not flesh and blood - friendship and music.
Daniel Healy does a fine job as the mixed-up ‘Guy’, his vocals wringing the most out of every song.
As ‘Girl’ Emma Lucia is simply breathtaking, offering a really nuanced, thoughtful portrayal of a lonely soul in search of an open heart.
But it is the arrangement of the music and the mastery of the cast as a whole that really lifts the whole production.
The music is by Glen Hansard (The Commitments) and Marketa Irglova, who walked away with an Oscar for best song, Falling Slowly, in 2008. It is, without doubt, the stand-out melody and you will be humming its refrain for days.
The folk ballads all lend themselves to the emotion rather than the storytelling and the sensitive harmonies create several transcendental moments during the evening.
During Gold, for example, it felt like the whole audience was holding its breath so as not to disturb the ethereal voices on the stage.
Nothing is overplayed or oversung and there is not a missed note or pitchy harmony to be heard.
The show is a pure joy – heartwarming without the sickly sweetness of many American musicals; affecting without a being over-sentimental and hopeful, even though it may offer not quite the happy ending I was desperate for.
There is comedy and tragedy and you will leave the theatre with a sense of appreciation – firstly for the fine work, this talented bunch has created and secondly for the fact that as long as there are shows like this to enjoy, everything will be okay.
New Victoria Theatre, Woking until 15 February.
