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Smash-hit musical Once returns to Melbourne in 2021

Popular Irish film-turned-musical Once is ready to be brought to life in Melbourne this September.

To call Once a smash-hit, might just be an understatement. Based on the movie of the same name by John Carney, it is the only Broadway show with music that has won an Academy Award, Grammy Award, Olivier Award, and Tony Award. 

Now, you can soak up that award-winning brilliance with Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s new iteration, coming to Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre for a very limited season – from Friday September 17 to Sunday October 3.

Main photo credit: Robert Catto

"GOLD" – Once the musical

Directed by Richard Carroll, this critically acclaimed production features musical direction by Victoria Falconer and stunning movement sequences created by Hamilton’s resident director Amy Campbell. 

If you’re unfamiliar, Once follows the journey of a struggling busker who encounters a gifted Czech pianist and together they embark on a will-they, won’t-they songwriting adventure. The two make beautiful music together while surfing a strong romantic undertow as they go. The roles of ‘Guy’ and ‘Girl’, inspired by the love story of Once‘s songwriters Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglová, are played on stage by Aussie musical theatre legends Toby Francis and Stefanie Caccamo. Also joining the cast is Jay Laga’aia alongside some of this country’s most outstanding actor-musicians.

It asks for so much from its actors. Not only do they need to tell this beautiful story every night with truth, passion and humour – they also need to sing the exceptional songs with all of the same qualities. AND they are their own band, so every one of them needs to be an exceptional instrumentalist. I am blown away by the capabilities of the cast and creative team we have assembled, and I can’t wait for Melbourne audiences to see them perform.

Richard Carroll, Once The Musical Director

Once The Musical will take over Comedy Theatre, Melbourne from Friday September 17 to Sunday October 3. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.au.