Once

The massive smash hit Broadway musical Once gathered an astonishing eight Tony Awards including Best New Musical, Best Book and Best Director. The London version of the show has won two Oliviers including Best Actress in a musical, going to the original leading lady. And it's all inspired by the 2006 independent movie of the same name.

What's the plot? An ordinary Irish bloke meets an ordinary Eastern European girl in Dublin, Eire. They're both musicians and when they fall in love, they tell their story through music. Writing love songs for one another and playing them in a traditional Irish pub, the stars of the show soon generated a cult following, driven by the gorgeous, achingly beautiful, plaintive music.

Charming melodies sit at the heat of this splendid show whose stage set is just as amazing as the action and music. Designed by the talented Bob Crowley, it is simplicity itself: a working bar that audience members can actually use during the interval, around which the action takes place. If you've ever fallen in love, this musical's sheer, heart-rending sweetness will bring it all rushing back to you. Lovely.