A new review of Once at the Phoenix Theatre London West End

The Phoenix Theatre has recently seen a cast change in the West End show of Once the musical, so I went along to see how they were settling in.

The leading lady Zrinka Cvitešić has remained on as Girl. If you get the chance to go and see her then you really should, as you will see why she has been nominated for an Olivier Award. Zrinka manages the balance of comedy and emotions so beautifully that she had the audience and myself laughing and crying along with her.

Zrinka has quickly created a raw and gripping chemistry with Arthur Darvill who has taken over from Declan Bennett as Guy.

I was very impressed with Arthur’s singing voice as I had only ever seen him act. Arthur has a very powerful emotive voice which will draw you in to the story. A highlight of the show is the performance of ‘When Your Mind’s Made Up’ which showcases his and all of the actors vocals.

If you have not seen Once you may not know that it prides itself on a simple set with all actor/musicians on stage, and with very creative direction. It is a very unique show, well worth going to see.

The music is moving and will stay in your head for days after. The actor/musicians are all in my opinion at the top of their game. One of the new members of cast Mathew Hamper, who plays Andre told us how he learnt his instrument especially for the part in Once, ‘hats off’ to one of my favourite characters in the show who I think was responsible for my first tear.

Once is the perfect night out for any occasion. If you arrive early you get to go onstage, use the bar and be up close and personal to the cast who provide music as pre-show entertainment. This can also be done in the interval and when you buy your drink you will get a lovely souvenir Once cup to keep.

Once is currently booking until July 2015, and I recommend you all to go and see, enjoy laugh and cry.
I will be going back making this show a must-see more than Once for me.

Review by Bonnie Britain

Once at the Phoenix Theatre
Evenings: Monday to Saturday 7.30pm
Matinees: Thursday and Saturday 3.00pm
Running Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Monday 7th April 2014