It's a modern love story with the most beautiful of soundtracks, and Once is at Milton Keynes Theatre this week.
On the eve of the curtain rising, Total MK caught up with its star, Daniel Healy, who aside from wowing as Guy in the production, also works as a member of Ronan Keating's live band.
Daniel talked all things theatre with us...
Tell us about your first memory of the theatre
My first memory was probably seeing Les Mis in the West End with my Mum and my Granny Healy. We travelled down on the sleeper train the night before. I just remember being blown away.
And when you realised that theatre and music were your calling
I’ve been doing musical theatre since I was a kid when I first played Oliver in Glasgow. I was singing and acting from a very young age. My parents were never pushy about it but very supportive.
My dad is a songwriter and guitarist, and I wrote my first song when I was about 5 called “I Love You So Much and I Do”. The level of my lyricism hasn’t changed much in 28 years! I always knew music or acting or both were what I wanted to do. Never any doubt even from a young age.
Any dreadful calamities, or funny happenings on stage that you would care to share with us?
When I was 24 I was in a play set in the 60’s when my phone started vibrating in my pocket. Lucky none of the audience noticed. Lesson learned!
Do you have any superstitions, or pre-performance routines?
No superstitions really. I just like to relax and meditate a little.
The best piece of advice given to you when you started in the business
The best advice was from Sir Ian McKellen. When I was playing Paul McCartney (in Backbeat) he told me to “first get the voice, strike a few poses... and you’re done dear boy”.
What do you think has been your steepest learning curve
My steepest learning curve as a musician is learning how to play in the pocket. I learned so much playing with world class musicians in Ronan Keating’s band, how to really lock in because you can’t mess around with those kats. I tended to rush because I was used to leading. I had to learn to be a “proper” musician.
How do you fill your spare time while on tour
I just take things one day at a time. I like seeing places so don’t tend to spend too much time in my digs. I like to meet people and see the touristy stuff.
Nerves or excitement? Which takes over just before the curtain rises?
I don’t really get nervous. I just have to fight the actors self-deprecating mind. Meditation is the key.
How can the future of theatre be safeguarded? What would you do to entice new audiences into theatres?
That’s a difficult question. We live in a time where everything is quick and information and entertainment is so readily available. But I do feel there’s a need for a more visceral experience and shows like Once soar above the crowd because they truly move people and give them that release for a couple of hours. It’s not just a spectacle. People really leave the theatre truly inspired.
Finally, why should audiences come and see Once?
Once is different from anything you will ever see. It’s a love story, it’s funny, it’s moving, it’s life affirming, it has great music, Irish music, Glen Hansard’s wonderful songs and (dare I say it) bloody fantastic acting...
Once continues at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday (Feb 22). To book tickets click here
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