SuzzisSpotlight

Pitlochry Festival Theatre

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Scottish Premiere

“On a rainy day in Pitlochry, Once felt like a warm hug I didn’t know I needed.”

There’s something beautifully atmospheric about arriving at Pitlochry Festival Theatre on a rainy afternoon — the kind of soft Highland drizzle that makes everything feel a little more cinematic.

It turned out to be the perfect backdrop for Once, a musical that wraps itself around you like a warm hug.

This Scottish premiere brings the beloved story to life with intimacy, humour, and a soulful heart that lingers long after the final note.

What’s it about?

Based on the 2007 film, Once follows Guy, an Irish musician who’s lost his spark, and Girl, the stranger who helps him reconnect with his music, his purpose, and himself. Set in Dublin, the story unfolds through folk‑infused songs, gentle humour, and the bittersweet ache of two people whose connection is undeniable — but not destined to be simple.

The production uses a single pub set that curves around the stage, creating an intimate, immersive world.

Audience members can even grab a drink from the onstage bar before the show and during the interval, blurring the line between performance and reality in a way that feels warm and communal.

“This Scottish premiere captures the heart of Once — tender, bittersweet and beautifully human.”

Performances

The cast is led by Dylan Wood (Hadestown, West End) as Guy and Lydia White (Girl from the North Country, The Old Vic) as Girl — and together they are magnetic.

Wood’s vocals have a natural grit that makes the folk score soar. There’s a rawness to his delivery that gives every song emotional weight, and more than once his voice sends goosebumps down my arms.

White brings sharp humour and a guarded vulnerability, her emotional walls slowly cracking as the story unfolds. Her harmonies with Wood are hauntingly beautiful, and their chemistry is tender, joyous, and ultimately bittersweet.

The ensemble is exceptional, with every cast member playing their own instruments live onstage — some switching between several. Their harmonies and musicality create a rich, organic sound that feels like being inside a late‑night session in a Dublin pub.

A standout is Charlie West as Billy, whose comedic timing is pitch‑perfect. He brings heart, mischief, and a burst of energy to every scene he’s in.

The full cast includes:
Connor Going (Emcee/Eamonn), Allison Harding (Barushka), Laurie Jamieson (Bank Manager), Sean McLevy (Da), Loren O’Dair (Reza/Girlfriend), Loris Scarpa (Svec), Jos Slovick (Andrej), and Charlie West (Billy).

Staging & design

With minimal set changes, the production relies heavily on lighting and sound to guide the story from scene to scene.

At times this works beautifully — subtle shifts that echo the emotional beats — though occasionally it makes the transitions a little harder to follow. The pub itself is wonderfully detailed, wrapping around the stage to create a sense of closeness and community. The curved layout draws the audience in, making the quieter moments feel even more intimate.

The choice to keep the musicians onstage throughout adds to the show’s charm. The ensemble becomes part of the world, part of the storytelling, part of the heartbeat of Dublin.

Final thoughts

Soulful, moving, and quietly powerful, Once at Pitlochry Festival Theatre is a production that stays with you. It’s a story about love, music, and the small moments that change us — and this Scottish premiere captures that spirit with warmth and sincerity.

On a rainy day in Pitlochry, it felt like exactly the show I needed.

Written by Suzzi Hirst

*ticket in exchange for honest review