Once revival announces lead casting

Pitlochry Festival Theatre will stage the Scottish premiere of Once – and lead casting has been revealed.

The musical, written by Enda Walsh with music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, is based on John Carney’s 2007 film, which featured the Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly”. Premiering on Broadway in 2012, Once went on to win eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The production will be directed by John Tiffany, with design by Bob Crowley, movement by Steven Hoggett, and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe. Lighting is by Natasha Katz, sound by Clive Goodwin and casting by Stuart Burt.

The story follows Guy, a Dublin street musician on the verge of giving up his craft, and Girl, a Czech immigrant who persuades him to keep going. Together, they form an unlikely partnership with a group of musicians as they set out to record an album.

It runs from 23 May to 27 June 2026 in the venue’s main auditorium. Set to star as Guy will be Dylan Wood, fresh from completing his time as Orpheus in Hadestown, while playing opposite him as Girl will be Lydia White. The remaining cast members will be announced in the coming months.

Once marks the opening production in Alan Cumming’s first season as artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre – which we’ve covered here.