Casting announced for West End transfer of Tony-winning Once

Casting has been announced for the West End transfer of Tony award-winning musical Once, which opens at the Phoenix Theatre on 9 April 2013 (previews from 16 March).

Declan Bennett and Zrinka Cvitešić will lead the cast as Guy and Girl respectively in John Tiffany's production.

Bennett has appeared on Broadway in Rent and American Idiot, while Cvitešić has been a member of the Croatian National Theatre since 2005 and has won awards for her film work.

They'll be joined in the cast by: Valda Aviks (Baruska), Ryan Fletcher (Svec), Aidan Kelly (Billy), Gareth O'Connor (Eamon), Michael O'Connor (Da), Miria Parvin (Ex Girlfriend), Jos Slovick (Andre), Flora Spencer-Longhurst (Reza), Jez Unwin (Bank Manager) and Gabriel Vick (Emcee).

Alternating the role of Girl's young daughter Ivanka will be Poppy-Lily Baker, Mia-Jai Bryan, Pacha Anna Green and Nancy Ann Jeans.

Once has book by award-winning Irish playwright and screenwriter Enda Walsh (Disco Pigs, Misterman, The Walworth Farce). Based on the 2007 motion picture written and directed by John Carney, music and lyrics are by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová who won the Oscar for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly".

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 (Black Watch).

Once will play a short run at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin from 22 February – 9 March 2013 before moving to the West End, where it's initially booking until 30 November 2013. 

Once is a celebration of love, friendship and music. 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 Broadway production, which won eight 2012 Tony awards including Best New Musical, continues at the Bernard B Jacobs Theatre having opened in March last year. It will begin a US national tour launched by The Road Company in the summer of 2013.

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	Tony award-winner Once confirmed for West End run in Spring 2013 - 12th Oct 2012 News
	Corden, Jackman, Once & Starcatcher celebrate at Tony Awards - 11th Jun 2012 News
	Video: New trailer released for West End run of Once - 3rd May 2013 tv
	Podcast: Once cast at #WOSOuting Q&A - 15th Apr 2013 radio
	1st Night Photos: John Tiffany parties with cast after Once opening - 10th Apr 2013 photos
	Review Round-up: Critics praise Tony-winning Once - 10th Apr 2013 roundup
	Once - 9th Apr 2013 reviews
	Opening: Once, Royal Court's Narrative & NT Shed's Table - 8th Apr 2013 news
	Show Pics: Tony Award winner Once opens in West End - 8th Apr 2013 photos
	Brief Encounter with ... Once's Declan Bennett - 3rd Apr 2013 interviews
	Take Ten: Broadway shows that have crossed the pond - 21st Mar 2013 features