Once The Musical

Amazing show.
We went to the last performance.
First class.
Pity about the smelly gents toilets and the matchbox size seats in the Olympia. Can’t fault the play

Once is just a stunning musical; beautifully written, touching story, hilarious Dublin heart and of course, the wonderful songs of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.
This is my second time seeing the production, the first being West End. I will say that the first time really moved me, more so than this time, but I still had a great night. I took my mam and she loved it too.
At times we were crying with laughter, and others we were just crying. It’s so simply told, so humbly staged, and you can feel how the actors and musicians hold each other in such high regard. It’s warming to see, and feels very Irish.
This production itself was fairly similar to the West End. The sound quality was a little disappointing; sometimes a song would hit its crescendo but it really didn’t move the seats like it should – particularly the instrumental trad Irish and Czech music. That said the talent on stage was immense and very raw– and actually the raw sound quality didn’t really take from that.
I’d definitely recommend this show, it’s a wonderful night out.

Once… Twice…I could watch this production over and over again, from the moment you enter the intimate and intricate setting of the Olympia Theatre, you become part of the play, the beautifully designed set that interacts with you in so many ways with all the vintage lighting and mirrors casting light and reflections at every angle, I even felt a standing ovation was deserved before the play had even started.
The awards this play have picked up over the years speak for themselves but this play really speaks to you, you feel connected to the cast from the very first scene.
The emotions projected throughout the Olympia are felt by everyone and tissues wipe away the tears of laughter and emotion for some.
Powerful words, heartfelt songs all tied together create this wonderful production, and the seamless work by everyone on stage make this one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

So good!
I am a huge fan of this musical and have seen the movie and listened to its soundtrack many times while hoping that I get to see it someday. So naturally, I had to go check it out when they were in town and I must admit that this production is really solid with some pretty impressive singing and music in addition to all the elegance you would otherwise come to expect in a musical.
I’ll admit that I want to go back sometime next week with some friends if i get the chance. They are here until late August, so make sure you check it out by then.