Whitworth AMDS bring award-winning 'Once' in a lifetime musical to Rochdale’s Curtain Theatre

Photo: Martin Ogden

The cast of 'Once'

The Whitworth Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society is bringing an award-winning musical to Rochdale’s Curtain Theatre next month.

'Once' tells the tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights…but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.

With a cast of actor musicians playing multiple instruments, 'Once' creates a unique blend of Irish, Czech and Folk music and whisks the audience away with a fast moving yet lyrical story that pulls at the heartstrings through a roster of weird and wonderful cat members.

'Once' is based on the 2007 film of the same name. Like the movie, music and lyrics were by Glen Hansard (Outspan from The Commitments) and Markéta Irglová, and includes the Academy Award-winning song "Falling Slowly".

The musical premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop in 2011, before transferring to Broadway in 2012. The production received eleven 2012 Tony Award nominations, and won eight including Best Musical, Best Actor and Best Book.

“We have staged the show in a Irish pub,” said director Zac Grenier. “For half an hour before the show, the audience can buy drinks on the stage and be entertained by a traditional Irish pub band. Then you will be whisked away to world romance, comedy and tragedy as the story unfolds over a couple of hours.”

The show runs Tuesday 3 October to Saturday 7 October at 7.30pm each night with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday.

For more information including how to buy tickets, please visit:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/73580/whitworth-amds-once-in-a-lifetime