Once The Musical to close

After two successful years running in London’s West End, Once The Musical at the Phoenix Theatre will have its final curtain call and bow out of Theatreland in March next year. Once has done surprisingly well for a new musical, most of which are not as successful and with only the long-running shoes still able to stand. Pop star Ronan Keating will take over the role of Guy from 17 November and will remain in the Tony and Olivier Award-winning production until it closes on 21 March 2015. Keating will star opposite Jill Winternitz as Girl before the internationally popular musical embarks on a European tour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C9gYTE9qk0 The West End production of Once opened in April 2013 and took home two prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards at the 2014 ceremony. The show has seen several famous faces tread the boards as characters in the enchanting romantic musical, including Doctor Who’s very own Arthur Darvill. Ronan Keating is presumed to also draw audiences in their droves to the theatre, however it is unfortunately too little, too late to boost popularity and ticket sales. Supposedly filling the shoes of Once is the adaptation of Bend It Like Beckham, after a year of rumours circling Theatreland. The West End grapevine has also hinted that Les Misérables stars Samantha Barks and Frances Ruffelle are linked to the upcoming project, based on the popular film of the same name which also starred a young Keira Knightly. The musical stage adaptation of Once is based on the 2006 film. The book was written by Enda Walsh, retaining many of the songs written by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, including the Academy Award-winning "Falling Slowly".