Once: So Good You’ll Want to See it Twice

At a time when we all need a bit of a pick me up, Three Legs Productions are here to tread the famous Gaiety boards with a truly immersive and unique theatre experience. 

Led by the immensely talented Lorcan O’Mahony (Guy) and the amazing Gráinne Joughin (Girl), this stunning small cast of 12 are everything that is great about Manx theatre. 

Based on the 2007 film of the same name by John Carney, Once tells the tale of an Irish street musician and a quirky Czech woman whose love of music, and a broken hoover, draws them together.

With O’Mahony’s vocals setting a high note from the get go, it never really looks back as Ciara Kilgallon, Neil King, Adrian Cowin, Chloe Woolley, Jack McLean, Chris Maybury, Jeff Jepson, Kelly Firth, Johnny G, Laura Corkhill and Tilly Strand and Aalin Cowley (Ivanka), lead the audience on a merry dance packed full of heart, soul, love and above all else, music.

From meeting boy’s da to girl’s rather interesting family, the entire cast come into their own with a scene that will be somewhat familiar to those of you who saw our promo for the show on Gef, albeit without yours truly looking as awkward as only a journalist on a table can.

While music is the heart of the show, it is far from a one trick pony, as it sets out to tug on your heart strongs, warm the soul and leave you squirming in your seat from the sort of awkward moments that will be familiar to anyone who has ever met someone special. 

As the first half comes to a close, you will be wanting more than a quick trip to the bogs and a drink (which you can enjoy in your seat!) and when the show comes back firing, the cast show off their musical talents and comedy timing with a scene that actually left me lolling. 

From there the cast lead us on an impassioned second half, which leads you to a cliff edge, in more ways than one. Also look out for Gef’s very dear friend Gráinne getting her teeth into a brilliant solo performance.

We obviously won’t spoil the ending, but we will say you won’t be left disappointed with a finale which allows the whole cast to show off their talents and send you away feeling somehow a little bit more complete than you were upon entering this iconic theatre. 

Directed by David Dawson and Sarah Holland, with Steve Daykin and David Kilgallon as musical directors and a background team consisting of Jim Turpin, Lisa Dancox and an old friend from Gef’s Election Night Special Alex Linney, Once truly is the show you’ll want to see twice.

Get your tickets here.