Hit musical Once, which won an astounding eight Tony Awards when it premiered on Broadway, is to bring its touching tuneful tale to the Phoenix theatre next spring.
The show, which is based on the Oscar-winning film of the same name, will open at the current home of West End long runner Blood Brothers on 9 April, following previews from 16 March.
Once, which features a book by Irish playwright Enda Walsh (Disco Pigs, Misterman, The Walworth Farce), tells the touching story of an Irish busker and young Czech mother who 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 production is directed by John Tiffany, director of the Olivier Award-winning Black Watch, and features music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, the stars of the original Irish film, which cost $150,000 to make and went on to gross $20 million worldwide.
When it opened on Broadway, New York Times critic Ben Brantley said of the show: "Once uses song and dance in a way I've never experienced in an American musical... to convey a beautiful shimmer of might-have-been regret."
Casting for the production, which will play at the Gaiety theatre, Dublin from 22 February to 9 March before beginning its London run, is yet to be announced.
Prior to Once's opening at the Phoenix, the venue will host a winter run of World War II-set family drama Goodnight Mister Tom and the return of Olivier Award-nominated dance show Midnight Tango.
