The smash hit Irish musical Once, opening in Melbourne this week at Chapel Off Chapel, has announced an extension to its strictly limited season until June 6th, following phenomenal demand at the box office. This highly anticipated production is helmed by the critically acclaimed new Melbourne theatre company, AG Theatre, and renowned Melbourne director Pip Mushin. AG Theatre has quickly established itself in the Melbourne theatre scene, enjoying a stellar 18 months of sell-out successes, including Avenue Q 2025 and Mamma Mia 2026. Dedicated to nurturing and promoting new Melbourne talent both on and off stage, AG Theatre is known for its innovative approach to classic and contemporary works, promising to captivate audiences again with a fresh, intimate, deeply moving, and cleverly reimagined take on this eight-time Tony Award-winning musical.
The show evolved from Irish filmmaker John Carney’s low budget indie film in 2007, into a critically acclaimed global stage production that has captivated theatregoers worldwide – solidifying its distinguished position within the history of Western musical theatre. Its popularity is deeply rooted in its refreshingly grounded approach, focusing on two ordinary people – a busker and an immigrant who connect through music in the grimy streets of Northside Dublin.
The production also showcases the spell-binding score composed by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, which notably features the Oscar-winning song, “Falling Slowly.” Once possesses the unique distinction of being the sole Broadway production whose musical composition has garnered the Academy Award, Grammy Award, Olivier Award, and Tony Award.
The production boasts a stellar cast, featuring Green Room Award-nominated creative Mark Taylor in the lead role of Guy. Sharing the stage with him in the role of Girl is the phenomenally talented Sian Fuller, a semi finalist from the 2021 season of The Voice. Playing alongside Mark and Sian is the highly respected performer, Donald Bridges as Da. The production also stars Frazer Shephardson as Billy; Rose Chambers as Reza; James Frampton as Andrej; John Yanko as Svec; William Lopez as the Bank Manager; Misha Gordon as Ex-Girlfriend; Bridget a’Beckett as Baruska; Felix Star as Eamon; Lila Colombi, Imogen Young and Emersyn Orchard as Ivonka. The rest of this cast includes Kaiyeesha Kim Tambakau (Kye Tamm) as Emcee; and Jackson Cross and Belinda Jenkin as swings.
WHEN:
Previews Thursday May 8
Official red carpet opening May 13
Extension to June 6th
Chapel Off Chapel – The Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran, 3181
Once The Musical will play at Chapel Off Chapel from Wednesday to Sunday from May 8th, 2026 until May 30th, 2026.
Tickets are available for purchase now at https://booktickets.com.au/
