Photos: Jennifer Saunders, Rod Stewart and Eliza Doolittle among guests at Once gala performance

Arthur Darvill began his West End run of Once in style last night with a special gala performance in aid of Oxfam.

To celebrate its first birthday in the West End, St Patrick’s Day and Darvill’s first performance, Once joined forces with the charity, with proceeds from ticket sales donated to Oxfam’s Mother Appeal.

The appeal celebrates mums around the world and aims to help mothers worldwide lift themselves and their families out of poverty for good.

VIP guests at the event included Rod Stewart and wife Penny Lancaster, singer Eliza Doolittle, olympian Mark Foster, comedian Jennifer Saunders and many more as can be seen in the gallery below.

Watch our interview with Arthur Darvill here.