‘Once’ Gets Transfer to West End

The Tony Award-winning musical “Once” is heading for London’s West End next March.

The Daily Mail reports that the popular musical based on the 2006 film of the same name will take over the West End’s Phoenix Theatre next year.

The Phoenix Theatre has been home to the production “Blood Brothers” for the past 21 years, but it was recently revealed in a surprise announcement that the production will close on October 27. Before “Once” is staged, a nine-week limited run of “Goodnight Mister Tom” will be held at the theater.

“Once” was the surprise dominant winner at this year’s Tony Awards ceremony, winning eight awards, including Best Musical and Best Actor. The musical opened on Broadway on March 18 of this year, with previews beginning February 28. “Once” also won four Drama Desk Awards in June.

“‘Once’ tells the story of an Irish guy and an Eastern European girl who meet in Dublin,” reads a statement on the official website for the Phoenix Theatre. “Both musicians, their love affair told through songs they write for one another in a traditional Irish pub. Just as the film grew a cult following, the musical has drawn audiences to its simple story and charming melodies.”

The original film starred musicians Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard in the leading roles. The actors also provided the music and lyrics for the score of both film and the musical. The song “Falling Slowly” won an Academy Award in 2007 for Best Original Song, and the soundtrack for the film was nominated for a Grammy.

The stage version of the production features a minimalist set of a bar, which is surrounded by chairs on stage. Cast members stay on stage for the duration of the production.

No casting or creative team has yet been announced for the upcoming West End version of the musical.