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.

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).

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.

Olivier Awards: Who Will Be Presenting Awards

The presenters for this years awards have been announced. It has not been revealed which award each person will be presenting.


The presenters will include:

• Hayley Atwell 
• Douglas Booth 
• Zach Braff 
• Jim Carter
• Tom Chambers 
• Tyne Daly
• Jack Davenport 
• Agyness Deyn 
• Jonathan Edwards 
• Susannah Fielding 
• Vittorio Grigolo 
• Lenny Henry
• Ronan Keating 
• Katherine Kelly 
• Harry Lloyd
• James McAvoy
• Natascha McElhone 
• Laurie Metcalf 
• Elaine Paige 
• Dan Stevens
• Sir Patrick Stewart 
• David Suchet 
• Kara Tointon 
• Will Young,
• Zoe Wanamaker
• Jodie Whittaker 
• Barbara Windsor