The Shows That Made Us: ONCE

Our new series asks BroadwayWorld reviewers which show had the most impact on them...

Once, the story of a guy and girl who love each other but can't be together, may seem like an odd show to help you get over heartbreak, but I'm here to tell you it worked wonders for me and made me stronger in more ways than on(c)e.

For those unfamiliar with the show, it follows the story of Guy (never named), an Irishman who's been dumped by his girlfriend following her decision to move to America. His heartbreak is causing him to fall out of love with writing and performing music. One night, he meets Girl (also never named), a Czech woman who's determined to help him play music again. You'd think the stars were aligned for this pair of music-loving singletons, but, as with everything, there's complications - she's married and has a child, and he's not completely over his ex.

I first got taken to see Once several weeks after having my own heart broken by an ex-boyfriend. The show had been in the West End for a couple of years at this point, and my best friend noticed that Arthur Darvill (who I'd loved in Doctor Who) was playing Guy for a limited run.

Wanting to cheer up his grumpy friend (so miserable, in fact, my nickname was Eeyore), he persuaded me to come along. I balled my eyes out within seconds of the opening song from Guy, suitably titled "Leave", where Darvill ached and screamed the lines, "Let go of my hand, you've said what you have to now, leave, leave".

It would be an understatement to say I cried quite a bit watching this show for the first time (with both happiness and sadness), especially in the final few moments where the pair are starting their separate lives.

You'd think I'd have been miserable by the end, but I actually found the whole thing very cathartic. Not only had I found a safe space to cry at something other than being recently dumped, but I felt a connection to the characters - including their hope that, despite the circumstances, everything was still going to be all right, even if they couldn't be together.

One of the lines in the show that has always stuck with me is, "You have suffered enough, and warred with yourself, it's time that you won". That single line has helped me in both my personal and professional life as a motto to live by - a motto I'm also planning on having tattooed on me later this year.

As well as helping me mentally, the show ignited my passion for theatre again. I'd been avoiding going out for a long time, and seeing the beauty on the stage again made me fall in love with it all over again - just like Guy does with music in the show itself.

I ended up seeing the show around nine times in the West End. I saw every performer from Darvill onwards, including understudies. I even have Once to thank for introducing me to the talented David Hunter, who I saw as my first post-Darvill Guy (big shoes to fill, but he certainly managed it). Hunter has since become one of my favourite West End performers.

When Once left London, it didn't leave my heart, and I went on to see it in Dublin and on its latest UK tour earlier this year. I saw as many variations as I could and felt more empowered and stronger each time I dived into its music, lyrics and message.

Every cast I have seen has brought the same level of delight, sadness and warmth to my heart, and always seem to miraculously work together in sync. One of the reasons why I love this show so much is that every individual cast member contributes; it's always felt like a real team effort, as they dash around, playing multiple characters (with the exception of Guy and Girl obviously) and various instruments, all at the same time. It's always incredible to watch.

Since recently seeing Declan Bennett, who originated the role in the West End, in other productions including The View UpStairs and, more recently, Jesus Christ Superstar, my only regret is not seeing this show sooner, as I can only imagine how incredible his performance must have been from seeing his gorgeous vocal and acting range in other shows.

So, thank you Once for helping to heal the heartbreak and making me fall deeper in love with theatre. You were the Guy to my Girl, and I hope you return soon.

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