Reviewed by Sue Walker
Having heard so much about the Broadway and West End hit musical I was so excited for the event date to arrive. My friend and I were warmly greeted at the door of Milton Keynes Theatre and directed where to go. The sound of a piano playing in the foyer and drinks at the bar were only the start of our evening. Little did we know how wonderful the night would turn out to be.
The story begins in a time-honoured Irish pub with bare wooden floors and decorations adorning every wall. The set was very simple and because of this, it made you feel like you were actually in the pub itself having a good time and enjoying the ‘craic’.
Actors begin to enter the stage, and we wonder in awe if the show has started as the theatre lights are still brightly lit. The sound of around 15 instruments begins to fill the theatre and traditional Irish music takes over as the cast take their first positions. From an accordion to a guitar, a cello to a violin, a piano to a cajon drum the sound was exhilarating. The harmonies as all the actors and actresses begin to sing the opening number were completely ‘on point’, every single person complemented each other and the sound was breathtakingly good.
The story unfolds as a young Irish busker is singing on the street after his love has gone to New York to make her fortune. The busker played by Daniel Healy has an amazing strong tone to his voice yet gentle and emotional at the same time. He meets the delightful Emma Lucia a Czech immigrant who lifts him from his despondent frame of mind and brings him hope. The chemistry between the pair is astonishing and very believable.
The Irish humour and witticisms left the audience laughing out loud for most of the show as did the coarse language and profanities (nothing that bad that people would be offended). However the toe tapping and hand clapping along with the music was enough to make you get up and dance the night away. The casts performance of ‘Falling Slowly’ was emotional and captivating as the young couple began to fall in love.
From working in his dads Hoover shop, her friend’s music shop, her family and the bank manager, this show had something for everybody.
Milton Keynes Theatre is situated in a prime position with lots of restaurants and bars around to get something to eat and drink either before or after the show. The theatre is a relatively new building so the seats have more legroom making watching the show a lot more comfortable. Parking is easy with plenty of multi storey car parks to choose from.
If you have always wanted to see this show but couldn’t afford West End or Broadway prices, then Milton Keynes is definitely the place to go. I would certainly recommend you pay this outstanding cast a visit even if it is on a school night!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £13 (plus £3.65 transaction).
Once is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 17-22 February 2020, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
