Once has announced its Olivier Award-winning West End run will come to a close on 21 March, two years after it made its London premiere at the Phoenix Theatre.
Boyzone star Ronan Keating, who joins the cast next month, and Jill Winternitz will play the romantic leads Guy and Girl for the remainder of its West End run before the show heads off on a European tour.
Based on the Oscar-winning film of the same name, the John Tiffany-directed musical has become a much-loved West End staple since opening in April 2013; charming audiences with its celebration of music and tender story of a chance encounter between people from different worlds with a common passion.
Featuring an eclectic mix of music, from a traditional Irish céilí to exquisite acoustic love songs, the multi-talented cast play dozens of instruments live on stage, while Steven Hoggett’s unique movement lends another twist to this refreshingly unconventional musical.
The show, which started life on Broadway where it received eight Tony Awards, collected glowing reviews when it made its London premiere, with The Guardian’s theatre critic Michael Billington declaring himself won over “with its simplicity, charm and air of sweet melancholy”.
The musical also made history at this year’s Olivier Awards with MasterCard when it walked away with the inaugural Outstanding Achievement in Music Award. Continuing its success, original Girl Zrinka Cvitešić was awarded the Best Actress in a Musical Award.
Audiences can catch current Guy, David Hunter, in the role until 17 November when Keating will take over in his West End debut performance.