The eight time Tony award-winning musical, directed by John Tiffany, opened at the Phoenix Theatre in April last year and received high praise for bringing something so different and fresh to the West End.

The current cast, led by Declan Bennett and Zrinka Cvitešić as Guy and Girl respectively, will continue until 8th March 2014. Bennett will then go on to join the cast of BBC1’s EastEnders, where he will play Charlie Cotton, Dot’s grandson. 

“This job has given me one of the most amazing experiences of my life” Bennett said. “In April last year I began what has been an incredible journey at the Phoenix Theatre playing the role of Guy in Once. I will only have fond memories and great recollections of my time in the show.”

Discussing his move from the West End to the East End, Bennett said: “I am very excited to be embarking on a very different path in my career moving from stage to screen playing Charlie Cotton in the iconic BBC TV Soap EastEnders. I, of course, will miss treading the boards in the West End, but I am very much looking forward inhabiting my new East End role. I wish the new Once cast as much enjoyment and pleasure as I have experienced throughout my time with the show.”

Based on the much-loved Oscar-winning film, Once is a celebration of love, friendship and music. 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.

The new cast will be announced shortly.

Andrew Tomlins

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