Once On This Island
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Sunday 8th February 2026
Once On This Island reminds audiences that the only thing more powerful than hate is love.
The Tony Award winning and Grammy nominated musical Once on this Island made a triumphant, one-night-only return to Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sunday night.
Once On This Island, book and music by Lynn Ahrens and lyrics by Stephan Flaherty, tells the story of Ti Moune (Dujanna Gift), an optimistic peasant girl who yearns for true love. Ti Moune piques the interest of the all-powerful Gods, Asaka of the earth (Alex Newell), Agwé of the water (Cedric Neal), Ezrulie of love (Marisha Wallace), and Pape Ge of death (Melanie La Berrie). They decide to use Ti Moune to test whether love is more powerful than death.
In a violent storm, created by Agwe, a wealthy boy from the other side of the island named Daniel (Jamael Westman) crashes his car and is found by Ti Moune. While the other peasants are weary of helping Daniel, Ti Moune nurses him back to health, and falls deeply in love. The story that follows is one of adversity, heartbreak, and the enduring power of love.
Once on this Island is a masterclass in storytelling and a celebration of cultural representation. Spearheading the cast was the incomparable Alex Newell, returning to the role of Asaka. Alex’s standout moment was their performance of “Mama Will Provide”, where Alex did in fact provide, with flawless vocals and a captivating stage presence. Joining Alex is an equally star-studded cast of Gods. Cedric Neal and Melanie La Berrie, both Hadestown alums, gave stellar performances. Neal delivered smooth, cool vocal runs that contrasted La Berrie’s harsh, brassy tone. Rounding out the Gods was Marisha Wallace, who infused in Ezrulie a passionate warmth that expertly highlighted the unyielding power of love so integral to this story.
At the heart of this show was the immensely talented Dujanna Gift, as Ti Moune. Gift was both heartwarming and heartbreaking, her portrayal incredibly fierce and raw. Her soaring vocals not only held up, but stood out, a true feat when you’re sharing the stage with West End royalty. She’s a true talent and I look forward to seeing what she will do next.
Accompanying the cast onstage was a complete orchestra, delivering the vibrant Caribbean-inspired score. The sound was rich and dynamic, a remarkable embodiment of Ahren’s score. I hope that Once On This Island will have a more permanent residency on a West End stage again soon. It is an enduring story that deserves to be told.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Jordyn Murray