Casting announced for Once's run in Dublin

Once is heading home to Dublin, Ireland, opening at the Olympia Theatre on 14th July for a limited run until 22nd August 2015. 

The cast includes: Tom Parsons as Guy, Megan Riordan as Girl, Sandra Callaghan as Baruska, Phelim Drew as Billy, Lisa Fox as Ex-Girfriend, Bob Kelly as Eamon, Michael Mahony as Emcee, Bill Murphy as Da, Dylan Reid as Andrej, Rickie O'Neill as Svec and Ruth Westley as Reza.

Set in Dublin, Once is a celebration of music, love, and the city that inspired it. It is based on the movie of the same name, written and directed by John Carney. The musical features music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová and book by Enda Walsh.

Review: Ronan Keating stars in Once at the Phoenix Theatre

Once 
Phoenix Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 26th November 2014
★★★★

When Once first opened in the West End there was a small gag in the script at Ronan Keating's expense. However, now the joke is on us as he is the fourth and final performer to step into the shoes of Guy in the West End production (the Keating joke has been replaced with a Michael Bublé gag).

Photo Feature: VIP Guests attend Ronan Keating's opening in Once

Last night (25th November 2014) Ronan Keating officially opened in the West End production of Once at the Phoenix Theatre. He has joined the cast as Guy, starring opposite Jill Winternitz as Girl. 

VIP Guests in attendance included: Jonathan Bailey, Sam Bailey, Cherie Blair, Julia Bradbury, Barbara Broccoli, Fiona Bruce, Raquel Cassidy, Nicki Clarke, Michelle Collins, Keith Duffy, Rupert Evans, Mariella Frostrup, Michael Graham, Orla Kiely, Maureen Lipman, Shane Lynch, Lesley Manville, Nick Moran, Douglas Reith, Anneka Rice, Rachael Stirling, Linzi Stoppard, Claire Sweeney, Storm Uechtritz, Indira Varma and Tim Wonnacott.

Sneak peek at... Ronan Keating in Once

Production photos of Ronan Keating in Once have been released. The Boyzone star joined the West End musical as Guy earlier this week, taking over from David Hunter. He stars opposite Jill Winternitz as Girl. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

Based on the much-loved Oscar-winning film, Once bursts onto the stage with a musical celebration of love, friendship and Irish music performed by cast of actor/musicians. A chance encounter between a girl and guy from different worlds but with a shared love of music and songwriting sparks a deep connection and a tender, unexpected romance.

Photo Feature: Ronan Keating rehearses for West End debut in Once

Producers of Once have released official images of Ronan Keating rehearsing for his West End debut in the show. Check out the pics below (click image to enlarge).

The Boyzone star joins the musical as Guy from Monday 17th November, taking over from David Hunter. He stars opposite Jill Winternitz as Girl. 

Based on the much-loved Oscar-winning film, Once bursts onto the stage with a musical celebration of love, friendship and Irish music performed by cast of actor/musicians. A chance encounter between a girl and guy from different worlds but with a shared love of music and songwriting sparks a deep connection and a tender, unexpected romance.

The West End production of Once opened in April 2013 and went on to win the 2014 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music. The Australian production of Once opened at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne earlier this week. The show also runs on Broadway until 4th January 2015.

GOSSIP: Bend It Like Beckham to open at the Phoenix Theatre next spring?

According to Baz Bamigboye, Bend It Like Beckham the musical is ready to open at the Phoenix Theatre next spring, following the closure of Once.

The show has music and lyrics by Howard Goodall (pictured right) and Charles Hart. Gurinder Chadha (who directed and co-wrote the film) directs.

Samantha Barks and Richard Fleeshman starred in the show's workshop last year. The cast also included Tara Divina, Frances Ruffelle, Shobna Gulati and Preeya Kalidas.

Once confirms West End closure

Producers of Once have confirmed the musical will close in the West End on 21st March 2015 ahead of a planned European tour.

Ronan Keating (pictured right) and Jill Winternitz will lead the cast for the remainder of its run. It has also been confirmed that the Broadway production will close in January, concluding a three year run.  

The West End production opened in April 2013 and went on to win the 2014 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music. Zrinka Cvitešić also won an Olivier Award for her performance in the original cast as well as the West End Frame Award for Best West End Debut.

Jill Winternitz extends run in Once; first images of Ronan Keating as Guy released

Jill Winternitz has extended her run as Girl in Once, meaning she will star opposite Boyzone's Ronan Keating who joins the cast as Guy on 17th November 2014. 

Keating's press night will take place on Tuesday 25th November 2014. Once is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre to 4th July 2015. David Hunter plays his final performance as Guy on 15th November 2014. Check out the first official images of Keating as Guy below (click image to enlarge).

Interview: Jill Winternitz, starring as Girl in Once

Jill Winternitz recently took over as ‘Girl’ in the West End production of Once. 

Following its Olivier Awards success, John Tiffany’s production is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre until 4th July 2015. Based on the much-loved Oscar-winning film, Once is described as a “celebration of love, friendship and music.”

Last year Jill was nominated for a West End Frame Award for her West End debut as Baby in Dirty Dancing at the Piccadilly Theatre, having previously played the role in the musical's UK Tour. 

Her other theatre credits include: A Handful of Soil (Drayton Theatre), The Seagull (Moscow Art Theatre) and Sunday in the Park with George (Interlochen Center for the Arts). Her film credits include The Sorrows and The Replacement Child.

Jill chats to West End Frame about putting her own stamp on her character, the secret to Once’s success, how she likes to unwind after the show and what it’s like to finally be singing in a West End musical…

How have you found your first few months in Once? Has the time flown by?

Absolutely, but then time always seems to vanish when you're doing what you love. Once has been the most inspiring, challenging and rewarding job of my career thus far. I'm having an incredible time.

Ronan Keating: "I just want to be the absolute best that I can be"

Further information has been announced about Ronan Keating's casting in the West End production of Once. It has been confirmed that the Boyzone star will take over as Guy from Monday 17th November 2014.

Ronan said: “I was truly bowled over when I first saw Once. The music and storyline are so incredibly moving and combined with John Tiffany's direction, I believe it's a modern-day masterpiece. It's unlike anything else I've ever seen. 

"When I was asked about playing the lead male (who is a busker in Dublin) I was completely overwhelmed because I knew it would be perfect - this was my home town, my people, and the place where I began my own music career. But as exciting as that is, it's scary too. 

Ronan Keating to make West End debut in Once

According to the Daily Mail, Ronan Keating will make his West End debut as Guy in Once.

Speaking to the newspaper he said: "It’s scary. I never saw myself going into the West End. This is like a play with music, and for me it’s daunting. I won’t hide from you that I’m scared. The character’s a musician and I’ve spent 20 years trying to be Ronan Keating the musician, so I guess I can spend four months playing another character."

Further information has been announced. Click here for more.

Keating takes over from David Hunter on 17th November 2014 for a limited season until 21st March 2015. Jill Winternitz currently stars as Girl. Directed by John Tiffany, the West End production of Once opened in April 2013 and is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre until 4th July 2015.

Interview: David Hunter, starring as Guy in Once

David Hunter joined the West End production of Once last July understudying the role of Guy. Nine months later, the performer has now taken on the role full-time, starring opposite former Dirty Dancing star Jill Winternitz as Girl.

Following its Olivier Awards success, John Tiffany’s production is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre until 4th July 2015. Based on the much-loved Oscar-winning film, Once is described as a “celebration of love, friendship and music.” 

David appeared in the original cast of One Man, Two Guvnors (National Theatre/UK Tour/Adelphi) and in 2012 he finished fourth place in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s television programme Superstar (ITV).

His theatre credits also include: Seussical (Arts Theatre), The Who’s Tommy (Prince Edward), The Hired Man (Leicester Curve), Spinach and Love Shift (Manchester Royal Exchange) and Moving On (The Lowry). 

David catches up with West End Frame to discuss how it feels to have taken over as Guy full-time, why he’s such a huge fan of Once and why being reunited with former Superstar contestant Tim Prottey-Jones is like sharing an ice cream with an angry parrot…

How does it feel to have taken over as Guy full-time?

Totally bizarre and completely normal. I've played the part a fair few times as an understudy, so it felt strange to get nervous before my 'official' first night, but I just couldn't help it! It was great indulging in that first night excitement, whilst knowing I wasn't going to muck up my lines or forget where to stand!

Photo Feature: David Hunter & Jill Winternitz join Once

Images have been released of the new cast of Once. David Hunter and Jill Winternitz joined the production as Guy and Girl last week. Directed by John Tiffany, the West End production of Once opened in April 2013 and is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre until 4th July 2015.  Take a look at the images below (click on picture to enlarge).

Hunter originally joined Once in July last year as Guy understudy. In 2012 he appeared on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s television programme Superstar (ITV). His theatre credits include: One Man Two Guvnors (National/UK Tour/Adelphi), Seussical (Arts), The Who’s Tommy (Prince Edward) and The Hired Man (Curve). He has recently filmed Nativity! 3 which is due to be released later this year. 

David Hunter & Jill Winternitz take over as Guy & Girl in Once

David Hunter and Jill Winternitz will lead the cast as Guy and Girl respectively in the Olivier award-winning production of Once.

Hunter, who originally joined the show in July last year understudying the role of Guy, and Winternitz have their first performance together on Monday 12th May 2014. Last month Once was the winner of two coveted Olivier awards - including the first ever recipient of the Olivier for Outstanding Achievement in Music. 

The show has also won 8 Tony awards including Best Musical and the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. In addition Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’sFalling Slowly won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Editor's Blog: Greetings from Broadway!

Schoenfeld Theatre, home of Bridges

Greetings from Broadway! 

I've been in NYC for four days now and I'm nearly half way through my busy theatre schedule! The best thing I've seen so far is The Bridges Of Madison County which is one of the best pieces of theatre I've ever seen. I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but quickly fell in love with Jason Robert Brown's stunning score, the beautiful staging and tremendous cast.

Aladdin was good, although I'm not sure whether it lives up to its hype - it's very predictable and takes few risks. However, the magic carpet was breathtaking and the Genie's big number 'Friend Like Me' was insanely brilliant, with both moments concluding with mid-show standing ovations. Pippin was spectacular and thought provoking while Newsies features some of the best choreography I've ever seen on stage.

Review: Arthur Darvill joins Once at the Phoenix Theatre

Once

Phoenix Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 1st April 2014

"It's only people up there with guitars and other instruments telling and singing their way through an everyday love story..." Enda Walsh

Once is without a doubt a beautiful film. Its simplicity and naturalness ensure that everyone who watches is moved by its message. Under John Tiffany's direction, the stage production takes the film's rawness and develops it into a story that is even more powerful.

Photo Feature: New cast join Once

The six-time Olivier nominated musical Once recently welcomed a new cast to its West End production at the Phoenix Theatre.

Arthur Darvill (Guy) joined the show fresh from Broadway to star opposite Zrinka Cvitešić (Girl). 

Directed by John Tiffany, the West End production of Once opened in April 2013 at the Phoenix Theatre where it is currently booking until 4th July 2015.

The Broadway production continues at the Bernard B Jacob’s Theatre. Later this year an Australian production will open at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne while the US tour continues. 

The current West End cast also features: Fiona Bruce (Baruska), Jamie Cameron (Emcee) Mark Carlisle (Da), Matthew Ganley (Svec), Mathew Hamper (Andre), Daniel Healy (Eamon), Loren O’Dair (Reza), Miria Parvin (Ex-girlfriend), Tim Prottey-Jones (Billy), and Jez Unwin (Bank Manager). Juliana Cotton, Demi Lee, Gemma Loader and Ruby Payne alternate the role of Girl’s young daughter Ivanka.

Take a look at pictures of the new cast in action below (click on an image to enlarge):

Photo Feature: VIP Guests including Michael Ball, Rod Stewart & John Tiffany attend Once birthday gala starring Arthur Darvill

Last night (17th March) the six-time Olivier award nominated musical Once celebrated its first birthday in the West End, joining forces with the charity Oxfam to raise money for their Mother Appeal. Also celebrating St Patrick’s Day, the production welcomed their new cast led by Arthur Darvill, who joins the London production having played the role on Broadway. Darvill plays opposite the West End Frame Award winning Zrinka Cvitešić as Girl.

VIP guests included: Laura Bailey, Michael Ball, Tim Bevan, Lydia Bright, Barbara Broccoli, Maryam D’Abo, Eliza Doolittle, Eric Fellner, Mark Forster, Amy Gadney, Goldie, Jane Horrocks, Hugh Hudson, Alfie Hudson Taylor, Mark Knopfler, Penny Lancaster, Lucy Mecklenburgh, Dame Jenni Murray, Jennifer Saunders, Rod Stewart and Michael G Wilson.

Once director John Tiffany and designer Bob Crowley were also in attendance. Take a look at photos from the evening below (click on picture to enlarge). 

New cast join Once tonight

New cast members join the West End production of Once at the Phoenix Theatre tonight (10th March 2014). 

The full cast includes: Fiona Bruce (Baruska), Jamie Cameron (Emcee), Mark Carlisle (Da), Matthew Ganley (Svec), Mathew Hamper (Andre), Daniel Healy (Eamon), Loren O’Dair (Reza), Miria Parvin (Ex-girlfriend), Tim Prottey-Jones (Billy) and Jez Unwin (Bank Manager). 

Doctor Who star Arthur Darvill joins the production from 17th March as Guy alongside original cast member Zrinka Cvitešić (Girl). Juliana Cotton, Demi Lee, Gemma Loader and Ruby Payne alternate the role of Girl’s young daughter, Ivanka. 

Doctor Who's Arthur Darvill to join West End production of Once

Arthur Darvill (pictured right) will join the West End production of Once on 17th March 2014. The Doctor Who star previously starred in the Broadway production.

The eight-time Tony award-winning musical last month released over 400,000 new tickets for sale, taking bookings at the Phoenix Theatre to 4th July 2015. Directed by John Tiffany, Once opened at the Phoenix Theatre in April last year.

Actor musician Arthur Darvill has recently completed a run in the Broadway production of Once playing Guy. In London his previous theatre roles include: Our Boys at the Duchess Theatre, Soft Cops for Royal Shakespeare Company, Doctor Faustus at Shakespeare’s Globe, Been So Long for Young Vic and Swimming with Sharks at the Vaudeville Theatre. 

As a television actor, Darvill played the Doctor’s companion Rory in Doctor Who for two years and more recently he played Reverend Paul Coates in ITV’s award-winning Broadchurch and The Duke of Buckingham in The White Queenfor the BBC. As a composer Darvill’s work includes The Bacchae for English Touring Theatre, Been so Long for the Young Vic, The Front Line for the Globe and Artefacts and 50 Ways to Leave your Lover for The Bush Theatre.