Once is a sparkling, witty, lyrical tale about a couple who fall quickly and deeply in love, but whose individual circumstances (read complications) see them hold back. Their connection is music and the title refers to a once in a lifetime encounter, complete with magnetism, vulnerability and healing.
Based on the 2006 movie by John Carney, it concerns a struggling Irish busker on the verge of giving up and an effervescent Czech woman. The latter (Sian Fuller) sees the guy (Mark Taylor), guitar in hand, singing what he intends to be his last song and praises him for it. He – who works with his father as a vacuum cleaner repairman – is taken aback at her boldness … her “won’t take ‘no’ for an answer” attitude.
He wrote the song for a woman he loves (Misha Gordon), who left him six months ago to pursue a life in New York. Now the Czech girl, who works in a struggling music shop, encourages the guy to press on with his original music, and with that, sparks in him a new lease on life. Over the space of a week, the pair forms a strong and meaningful relationship. Both are “into” each other, but the girl – who is a fine piano player – is dealing with her own issues.
With a book by Enda Walsh and music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, Once holds a unique place in musical history. It is the only Broadway show with music that has won an Oscar, a Grammy, an Olivier Award and a Tony Award. In fact, it received eight Tonys, including Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical.
Set in Dublin, the beautifully written, tender love story is infused with charm and character. Led from the front by an emotionally mature and musically polished Sian Fuller, the performances are rich and redolent. With a silky-smooth voice, Fuller comes across as a huge natural talent, with an innate ability to deliver comedic zingers without pretence.
Mark Taylor, too, is a brooding head turner with vocal dexterity, who is shaken up by the appearance of his unexpected “saviour”. We watch on with delight as he transitions his character into one of renewed belief. Frazer Shepherdson plays up the protective jocularity associated with the passionate music shop owner, Billy.
Rose Chambers is another to shine with her impressive musicality and stage presence. She plays seductress Reza. There is an engaging restraint about veteran actor Don Bridges as “the Hoover guy’s” father, Da. A talented ensemble sings and plays a range of musical instruments with aplomb, so it is that the performers double as the show’s band.
Abbey Stanway’s bar room set (the venue is known as The Busker’s Arms), complete with a full liquor cabinet on the back wall, immediately strikes a chord. Costume designer Karen Spencer reflects Once’s deep working-class roots. Pendant lighting by lighting designer Ian Scott adds to the magical feel of the piece, while Noah Chrapot’s sound design is evocative.
Once is infused with feeling – a script that can move mountains, music that stirs the soul and performances that engage and enchant. AG Theatre’s production features assured direction from Pip Mushin and compelling choreography by Jaimee White. Timothy John Wilson brings to it slick musical direction. Two hours 20 minutes, including interval, playing at Chapel Off Chapel until 6th June, 2026, Once resonates and how!
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Once (Comedy Theatre) – musical theatre review
- Huckleberry (Chapel off Chapel) – theatre review
- Urinetown: The Musical (Chapel Off Chapel) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.