Ronan Keating to join the West End cast of Once

Boyzone star Ronan Keating is set to make his West End debut, when he joins the cast of Once at the Phoenix Theatre from 17 Nov 2014 to play the leading role of 'Guy'. He will play the role until 21 March 2015.

Ronan Keating is perhaps best known as a member of multi-platinum selling Irish boyband Boyzone since 1993, as well as an established solo artist since 1999. He has reportedly sold over 25 million albums with Boyzone and 20 million solo records. Besides his music career, Keating also has a television career as a judge on the Australian version of The X-Factor. This year will mark his fifth consecutive X-Factor season. His acting credits include the role of James Dickens in 2013 romantic-comedy 'Goddess' and the singing voice of Postman Pat in this year's 'Postman Pat: The Movie'.

He says: "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."

Once opened in London at the Phoenix Theatre on 9 April 2013, following previews from 16 March, to good reviews from the popular press: "the singing is powerful and evocative" (Londontheatre.co.uk); "charmingly funny and affecting production" (Independent); "has a delicate soulfulness and a truthful charm" (The Evening Standard). The musical is currently taking bookings to 4 July 2015.

Once has music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, with book by Enda Walsh and is based on the motion picture written by John Carney. Directed by John Tiffany, designs & costumes by Bob Crowley, lighting by Natasha Katz, sound by Clive Goodwin. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Lowe and movement is by Steven Hoggett.

Synopsis: '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.

Once is produced in the West End by 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.