"This production is full to the brim with splendid touches...A live band at the back led by musical director Chris Poon on keys gives the ever-vivacious singing a fine platform to reach the sky."
Read more

Some tweaks in the creative decisions made would have elevated the production and created a fully cohesive show. However, Once on This Island has faultless performances and some visually stunning moments, in a beautiful venue
Read more

"Regent’s Park Theatre’s 'Once On This Island' should not be seen as a fairytale. Ola Ince’s direction heightens the prejudices in this story which is important in giving this story a new intensity. However, the imbalance between issue and fairytale leaves this production feeling a little less satisfying."
Read more

"For all its charms, ‘Once on This Island’ feels caught between a Disney-ish over-simplicity and a desire to say something a bit more profound about class and race...But the score is glorious, and the talent on display here is undeniable."
Read more

" 'Once On This Island' is a brisk, energising piece of theatre. It’ll be even better on a hot night."
Read more

"If this brisk, 90-minute show has a flaw it’s that much of the simple tale is told through the lyrics. Given the outdoor acoustics it’s possible to miss details."
Read more

"With stunning songs and a remarkable cast, wonderfully led by Gabrielle Brooks, this is a great start for this years season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and has me excited for what the rest has in store."
Read more

"The band give us a vibrant rendering of the calypso, soca and reggae-packed score...So, a slightly uneven opening to the Park’s 2023 summer season, moodier in both tone and weather than might be expected, but it’s still well worth a trip to this thought-provoking island."
Read more