Once
Phoenix Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 1st April 2014
"It's only people up there with guitars and other instruments telling and singing their way through an everyday love story..." Enda Walsh
Once is without a doubt a beautiful film. Its simplicity and naturalness ensure that everyone who watches is moved by its message. Under John Tiffany's direction, the stage production takes the film's rawness and develops it into a story that is even more powerful.
'Guy' is giving up on his music and resigning himself to a dull life, until he meets 'Girl' who reminds him of what is important and transforms his life in less than a week. Through their shared love of music they form a bond that seems unbreakable, but is already broken.
Fresh from Broadway, Arthur Darvill (Guy) proves he can impress on both sides of the Atlantic. He pulls of the 'scruffy singer' look and has every girl hoping he might whisk her off to Dublin. His singing is sublime and although his version of 'Falling Slowly' is different from his predecessor's, it's full of emotion and works well.
Zrinka Cvitešić continues to delight as Girl, her sweet voice and mannerisms perfectly capture the emotional turmoil we know she is feeling and her performance of 'The Hill' remains as moving as ever. The chemistry between her and Darvill is discreet but very believable.
Tim Prottey-Jones, who makes a well-deserved West End debut as Billy, brings a natural charm to this loveable rogue and Jez Unwin continues to deliver his character's awkward lines with impeccable timing. The ensemble carry the production, it's incredible to see so many talented musicians on stage in a West End musical.
The new supporting cast are both energetic and enthusiastic - their instruments are almost part of their bodies and their presence throughout the production evokes a sense of togetherness. Despite stepping into the shoes of a fabulous production, the new cast of Once have risen to the challenge and delivered a flawless performance with their own discreet character interpretations.
Once remains a beautiful but bittersweet modern fairy tale.
Reviewed by Michaela Clement-Hayes
Once is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre until Saturday 4th July 2015.
Click here to book tickets (save £20 at selected performances).
Photo Credit: Brinkhoff Moêgenburg
No comments:
Post a Comment