“Beguilingly Beautiful! “
***** 5 Stars
David Nicholls critically acclaimed 2009 novel One Day was adapted for the big screen in 2011 to great success before being adapted again for the small screen by Netflix in 2021 now the story that has touched the hearts of a generation gets a musical adaptation with book by David Greig, music and lyrics by Abner & Amanda Ramirez and additional lyrics by Jeremy Sams in a lyceum and melting pot production that transcends the power of musical theatre leaving the audience wrapped by its beguilingly beautiful heart.
One Day tells the story of Emma (an enrapturing performance from Sharon Rose) and Dexter (a powerfully moving turn from the gifted Jamie Muscato) who on St Swithun’s day 1988 (July 15th) have a one-night stand following their graduation from the University of Edinburgh knowing they must part the following morning. Emotions and connections are made as we revisit the couple on the same date for the next 20 years. There connection shaping their journey in exploration of how the small things make the biggest impact. It’s an honest exploration of life through both the good and bad times and a connection that appears unbreakable but then not everything is at it appears. Ultimately this is musical that explores the human condition in all its truth.
Directed by Max Webster this is an outstanding piece of musical theatre performed by a uniformly brilliant sixteen strong ensemble company who shine in every moment on stage. Muscato is a powerhouse of emotions, and he truly captures the emotions of Dex perfectly and his chemistry, which is the lynch pin of the story, with Sharon Rose is thrillingly truthful. Rose matches Muscato in spades with gorgeous honey-soaked vocals. The ensemble shine especially when delivering Carrie- Anne Ingrouille’s effective and capturing choreography. Special mention must go to Josefina Gabrielle as Alison Mayhew her performance takes emotional honesty to new levels as she turns in an award-winning performance.
Production wise One Day is an utter triumph; the Lyceum has been fully transformed into an in the round space thanks to Rae Smith’s incredible Set and Costume Design. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, and every audience member will enjoy perspective of the show that’s unique to them whilst also delivering breath taking intimacy the show thrives on. There is a flawless lighting design from Bruno Poet that captures life’s moments and emotions with equal grace and detail. Simon Baker’s sound design is equally flawless and the balance between performers and musical director Nigel Lilley’s exquisite 6 strong band is pitch perfect.
Speaking of the music, its fresh truthful and emotional and never overbearing and brings a rich quality to the show overall. One Day is a show which deserves all the accolades and it’s an honour to be able to see the show makes its debut in its home city.
The Royal Lyceum company have collaborated with Melting Pot to create a piece of theatre which not only transcends the art form but gives its audience a powerful jolt in that sometimes putting the story at the centre of the piece and eschewing glitzy special effects can truly release the heart of a show.
One Day is simply unmissable theatre and despite its admittedly long run time, the pacing is so perfect the show sails by leaving you wanting more. At the core of this timely and timeless production is love. Love for the art form, Love for the Story and love as the most potent of human emotions.
This is quite simply event theatre, and you would be foolish to miss it!, so grab what few tickets remain at the Lyceum and if you can try sitting on stage for a truly unforgettable theatrical experience and let the power of One Day the musical change all you knew about musical theatre.
One Day the Musical runs until Sunday 19th April, for more information and tickets go to: One Day: The Musical | Lyceum
ScotsGay Arts 