Once again the Hayes Theatre punches well and way above its weight with ONCE ON THIS ISLAND.
In association with Curveball Creative, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is a vibrant, vivid and complete joie de vivre production infused with a Caribbean colour and beat that guarantees to move your feet while in your seat.
With book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is the story of Ti Moune, a humble peasant girl rescued by an aged peasant couple after a tropical cyclone had orphaned her and who subsequently risks everything to save Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of the island.
As Ti Moune is captivated by love, the gods are watching, and they’ve made a wager: which is stronger – love or death? Socio-economics suggest status strands the star crossed, diamonds trump hearts, the elite club trumps the spade.
Exuberantly directed by Brittanie Shipway, this vital, effervescent show blends music, movement and mythology to stunning effect. With an exciting ensemble led by Thalia Osegueda Santos as Ti Moune in an enchanting and cheeky turn and a striking design that nods to the show’s Caribbean roots, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is both emotionally resonant and visually captivating, a celebration of love, the legacy of colonialism and the enduring power of storytelling.
Leah Howard’s choreography is organically primal, Nick Fry’s set and props design delightfully detailed and full of Easter eggs, and Rita Naidu’s costumes are rich in colour and character.
Veronique Benett’s lighting design pulsates adding further vim and vigour to the production.
Kudos too to musical direction by Dylan Pollard assisted by Kevin Wang leading a four piece band of bass, percussion, guitar and reeds, augmenting a sound design by Christine Pan and Simon Mitchell.
The Olivier Award-winning musical ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, is running at the Hayes Theatre till 31st of August. See it once and you might just want to catch it twice, the affection is that infectious.
