Once - Ronan Keating to play Guy
Casting news
ON NOVEMBER 17, 2014, Ronan Keating will take over the leading role of Guy in the West End cast of Olivier Award-winning musical Once, which is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre until July 4, 2015.
Irish recording artist, singer-songwriter and musician Ronan Keating launched his career as a member of Boyzone in 1993 and has subsequently enjoyed a hugely successful career as a solo recording artist. With Boyzone, Keating has sold over 25 million records worldwide and as a solo artist 20 million.
Before joining the cast of Once, Keating will return to Australia for a fourth year as a judge on The X-Factor. Speaking about his forthcoming role, he 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. I’ve never performed on the West End and this is a huge challenge and commitment. I’m really looking forward to returning to London later this year and completely sinking my teeth into the role. I think there’s going to be lots to learn and lots to gain from this experience and I just want to be the absolute best that I can be.”
Based on the much-loved Oscar-winning film, Once is a celebration of love, friendship and music performed by a cast of actor/musicians. When an Irish busker and a young Czech mother meet through a shared love of music, their songwriting sparks a deep connection and a tender, longing romance that neither of them could have expected.
The West End production, which opened in April 2013, is directed by John Tiffany and has set and costume design by Bob Crowley, lighting by Natasha Katz, sound by Clive Goodwin, musical supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe and movement by Steven Hoggett.
The current cast comprises David Hunter and Jill Winternitz as Guy and Girl respectively, 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).
Alternating the role of Girl’s young daughter Ivanka will be Juliana Cotton, Demi Lee, Gemma Loader and Ruby Payne.
In April this year, 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 eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. In addition, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s Falling Slowly won the Oscar for Best Original Song.
NB: Ronan Keating will perform the role of Guy from November 17, 2014 to March 21, 2015, except at performances on January 20 and January 24, 2015.
Tickets: £72.50 – £19.50, plus concessions. All ticket prices include a restoration levy. To book, call the box office on 0844 871 7629 or visit oncemusical.co.uk/ or indielondon.tsd-aff.com/tickets/.
Times: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.