Ronan Keating Joins Cast Of Olivier Award-winning West End Production Of ONCE

**Ronan Keating** 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."* **Directed by ****John Tiffany**,** **the West End production of **Once** opened in April 2013 and is currently** booking at the Phoenix Theatre to 4 July 2015. ** *Based on the much-loved Oscar-winning film, Once is a celebration of love, friendship and music performed by 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. * 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. 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 8 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. The current cast comprises **David Hunter** (Guy) and **Jill Winternitz** (Girl) who are joined by **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.** **Th**e 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. **Once** has book by award-winning Irish playwright and screenwriter **Enda Walsh**. ** **Based on the 2007 motion picture written and directed by John Carney, music and lyrics are by Academy Award® winning **Glen Hansard** and **Markéta Irglová** who, for *Falling Slowly*, won the Oscar for Best Original Song. Scenic and costume designs are by Bob Crowley, with lighting by Natasha Katz, sound by Clive Goodwin, **** musical supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe and movement by Steven Hoggett. **Once** won the 2013 Grammy award for Best Musical Theatre album. The **Martin Guitar Company** is the proud sponsor of **Once**. **The Producers of the West End production are ****Barbara Broccoli**, **John N. Hart Jr.**, **Patrick Milling Smith, Frederick Zollo****, ****Brian Carmody, Michael G. Wilson, Orin Wolf** and **Michael Rose Limited** in association with **New York Theatre Workshop.** ** **