Interview with Dan Buckley, One Day: The Musical
Conducted by Ziwen for Theatre and Tonic
As One Day: The Musical makes its much-anticipated world premiere at The Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh this month. David Greig adapts David Nicholls’ global bestselling novel, bringing one of the most beloved British love stories in recent years to the stage for a limited run. One Day charts the lives of Dexter and Emma across twenty years, taking audiences through a heartstopping story. Amongst the cast is Dan Buckley, who takes on the role of Ian to find out what drew him to One Day and how it feels to be part of a new musical’s journey to the stage this year.
Dan Buckley. Headshot provided by production.
1. One Day is already a very complete and moving novel. In what ways is this musical different from the novel? Are there any aspects where you think the musical goes further or does something even better?
What is more magical to move people than the use of music and singing. Abner and Amanda have created a beautiful score that elevates the emotional stakes and brings a whole fresh element to the story.
2. Do you prefer playing characters that are based on an existing original work, or completely new characters? When a novel already provides a foundation, do you adapt or adjust the character based on your own ideas and needs during the creative process?
I don’t have a preference, honestly, as long as the creative process allows for trial and error. It’s twofold really because whilst I am creating my version of Ian which means bringing elements of what comes instinctively to me, we have also incorporated so much of what was given to us from the novel. David Greig has adapted the book meticulously with love to give us a clever and tender script to work with which helps massively but of course we are all using the book to give us the extra layers of detail and context so we can inform the characters accurately for those people who know and love the novel. I want him to be as real as possible but there are things along the way about him that, of course, I’ve made up because they are not in the book.
3. Do you think you are similar to Ian? Do you prefer playing characters who are similar to yourself, or those who are completely different from you?
I think I am different to Ian in so many ways, though I can relate to certain aspects of his personality from various points in my life whether its what it feels like to be so keen to impress or to make a joke and it fall flat. I don’t know if I’ve ever played a role that’s totally similar to me. If they were really similar to me I would probably try to distance myself from the character in fear of appearing lazy or like I’m not trying hard enough. I love playing roles totally different to me, there’s a freedom in expressing yourself in a way that doesn’t come naturally. But is that just because I prefer not being myself? You’ve just given me another conundrum to call my therapist about….
4. In your view, after reading the script, what is the most important work or preparation to do as an actor?
Go through the entire script, write down everything that a character says about your character, everything the writer says about your character, everything your character says about themselves and everything your character says about other characters. It gives you an idea of how they are viewed in the world of the piece and how they view others. Then I would go through each scene and find out why they are there and what they want- as big or as small as you like. Deciding who they are from the information you’re given in the script and adding as much texture (read: ‘back story’) to that as you want into the rehearsal room and not being precious about changing it up. The other day, we set a scene that I imagined so clearly from the book, but in the context of the musical, it actually worked better to just switch the logistics and you have to be prepared for a theatrical technicality to sometimes dictate how the scene plays out. This sort of work will help you, especially if you’re working with someone as brilliant as Max Webster, who really cares about detail and specifics in scenes.
5. Do you have any personal tips or techniques for getting into character?
Getting into character can mean so much to so many actors. Some people just need the finishing touch like a wig etc and they finally feel in character; some may need an intense pre-show playlist, others may need a specific fitness regime. This musical requires me to tap in and out of Ian quite quickly so whatever I do to get into character will likely be subtle. My accent changes for Ian so that helps. I’ll be sure to keep my articulators warm for his accent. I think the costume will help me feel more like Ian, too.
My advice would be: getting into character starts in rehearsals. It’s about making sure I have made clear choices, that are always backed up, that my delivery is clear and consistent and that my scene partners trust me to help elevate their performance by genuinely listening and giving them my best work. We are all playing pretend- but to do it convincingly we need to be really present and trusting.
6. Since this is a brand-new musical, there must have been many changes during rehearsals. Could you share one change that you particularly liked?
The show is evolving live in the room every day. We are being given new sheet music every single morning to work through and new scenes, too. Some of the changes are huge structural changes and some are surgical cuts or line and word/ lyric alterations.
My favourite change so far was the development of the Greece holiday scene (IYKYK) and how we, as a cast, help facilitate that sequence. No spoilers here. Carrie Anne is shaping the physical language of the show into something so collaborative and beautiful to do, let alone watch!
7. Is there a scene or song that you especially love?
I actually don’t know where to start with this because the score has bop after bop.
‘Blackbirds’ is absolutely gorgeous. Sharon performs it flawlessly and she lets us into Emma's world so beautifully. It also sets up the real tone of the show melodically; it’s the moment you are going to lock in and be swept into this piece.
‘Pick up, Em’ is one of my favourite songs partly because it’s the moment Ian and Emma really reconnect and unite but also because Jamie, who is giving some of his finest work on this show, performs it so raw and I get to be quite literally front and centre for it all.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention ‘Loco Caliente’ which, as far as musical theatre numbers go, is an absolute joy to be a part of. I could go on but I fear I would simply be listing the entire show.
8. Could you share your favourite moment from rehearsals, or a fun or memorable story that happened during the rehearsal process?
There was one moment during staging the scene / song where there’s a fight over a water bottle and during the rehearsal of it, the bottle erupted and launched water all over Kelly Hampson and the room collectively gasped, as it sounded way worse than it was, then burst into laughter; she took it like a champ. Also just anything Peter Hannah says out loud generally makes the room laugh.
9. If you had to choose to be Dexter or Ian, who would you like to be?
The show tracks these people over 20 years. Ian finds a serenity that I suppose many people would envy.
Dexter learns to move forward and make strides to be a better person and father. Both end up as humans I would be proud to be. But in terms of the ride to get there? I’d probably say I’d rather be Dex - for better or worse, at least his life experience has been eventful!?
10. Is there anything you would like to say to Ian?
“You always lead with enthusiasm and love and for that reason I adore portraying you.”
One Day: The Musical plays at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh from 27 Feb - 19 April.
