Book: Enda Walsh
Music and Lyrics: Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová
Director: John Tiffany
Can a flawless production save flawed material? Director John Tiffany remounts his original creative team to launch Alan Cumming’s debut season as Artistic Director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Bringing Once to a Scottish stage for the first time should be a triumph. Despite boasting a stunning set design and a splendidly talented cast of actor-musicians, the five-star execution cannot stop the underlying material from frequently stalling.
Set in Dublin, the story follows two characters known only as Guy and Girl. This choice underlines the idea that something archetypal is going on. Together, they create an album and discover a deep connection. However, the musical style lacks variety. While the melodies are objectively beautiful, a repetitive rhythm makes it easy to tune out. Because almost all the music is diegetic, the songs fail to move the plot forward. The pacing slows to a crawl, and the evening occasionally borders on boring.
Fortunately, the performances offer plenty of charm. Dylan Wood is totally charismatic as Guy. He crafts a deeply endearing portrayal of a man rediscovering his passion. Opposite him, Lydia White is wonderfully feisty as Girl. White protects her character with a fierce exterior, hiding moments of vulnerability until she is entirely alone. She purposefully holds Guy at arm’s length throughout the evening, fighting her own growing feelings.
Steven Hoggett’s choreography perfectly enhances this dynamic. The movement feels ritualistic and ceremonial. It deepens the melancholic atmosphere of the piece. However, the central romance provides a frustrating emotional puzzle. We watch these archetypes fall deeply in love, only to simply walk away at the end. Girl tells Guy that their relationship cannot be unfinished because it never truly began. Yet, for the audience, this choice to part ways leaves the story feeling completely unfinished. Guy’s decision to give everything up feels entirely counterintuitive, leaving the ending emotionally unsatisfying.
Bob Crowley’s stunning set design provides a gorgeous backdrop for this bittersweet tale. While the script and repetitive score may frustrate, the sheer talent of this ensemble is undeniable. It is a spectacular production that will undoubtedly delight fans, even if the material itself occasionally stalls.
Runs until 27 June 2026 | Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
