Why go and see it?
A Broadway and West End hit musical that's a ravishing love story with a bittersweet difference, Once casts a spell over the audience just as its two lead characters cast a spell over each other.
Based on a cult 2006 Irish indie feature, originally shot on a micro-budget of just $160,000, it tells the uplifting yet yearning story of a part-time Dublin guitarist busker (who works by day in his dad's Hoover repair shop) who falls unexpectedly in love with a young Czech immigrant fellow musician. As we follow their relationship across five short days, big changes happen to both of them in little ways.
Watch the trailer
1 Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE, UK
Mon - Sat at 19:30
Thu and Sat at 14:30
As conjured by a score of original Irish-inflected songs, written by the original stars of the film Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, the atmosphere is partly a busked concert and partly an aching romance that feels both spontaneous and freshly minted. The music, played live by the actors themselves, is alternately beautiful and rousing, and Enda Walsh's script quietly overwhelms with its sense of spirit, sincerity and solitude.
There's no other show quite like it. It's the most unusual, unique and affecting musical you're ever likely to see. It has a spontaneous free-form improvisatory vitality, yet it is also emotionally precise in the understated air of longing that anyone who has ever been in love will recognise instantly. And audiences will fall head over heels in love with the show, too. Once is a genuine one-off which you'll need to see at least once -- but it's also unlikely to be your last time, as you'll want to see it again (and again).
This show wins standing ovations the old-fashioned way: with a love story, great songs, compelling characters and inventive stagecraft. At this point in Broadway history, this feels downright revolutionary- New York Post
An exquisite reminder of theater's singular capacity to transport us- Th Hollywood Reporter
A love affair with music… fresh and unexpected- The New York Times
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Join todayWhat the critics say
It's funny, its truthful, it sings- The Times
Wins you over with its simplicity, charm and air of sweet melancholy- The Guardian
Charmingly funny and affecting- The Independent
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Liverpool Empire
1 Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE, UK
Lime Street Station
The Box Office is open for 90 minutes prior to the performance commencing. See 'What's On' section for performance times
Bar - Pre-show & interval drinks and snacks
Ambassador Lounge - Pre-show & interval table service (Charge applies)
Membership Benefits - 25% off pre-show drinks (excluding 30 mins prior)
The Liverpool Empire Theatre is the largest two-tier theatre in the UK, hosting the very best in touring productions. From musicals to dance, and comedy to drama, the theatre hosts a varied programme and is one of the city’s most iconic venues.
1 Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE, UK
Mon - Sat at 19:30
Thu and Sat at 14:30
Join ATG+, the UK's best live entertainment membership to enjoy these benefits and much more across 35+ venues:
Priority booking and ringfenced seats
Ticket offers and no transaction fees
Flexible tickets
Join today