Based on the 2007 film of the same name

ONCE – the eight-time Tony Award-winning Irish musical, became a Broadway phenomenon in 2012 and went onto become a global smash hit. Based on the 2007 film of the same name by John Carney, the show features a spell-binding score by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, including their Oscar-winning song, “Falling Slowly.” Holding the unique distinction of being the only Broadway production whose music has won the Academy Award, Grammy Award, Olivier Award, and Tony Award.

From the surprising success of the original movie to the critically acclaimed stage production that captivated audiences on Broadway and in London’s West End, Once has firmly cemented its place in the canon of Western musicals.

Now, under the stewardship of Melbourne’s independent theatre company AG Theatre, known for their recent sell out productions of Avenue Q and Mamma Mia and renowned director Pip Mushin, Once is set for a limited season at Melbourne’s Chapel off Chapel starting in May 2026.

Director, Pip Mushin said, “What I love about Once is that the music isn’t just accompaniment, it’s the language the characters use to reveal who they truly are. When the actors create the music live on stage, it creates a beautifully intimate theatrical experience, and I’m super excited to bring its spirit and heart to the stage..”

Academy Award-winning soundtrack and a heart-warming story

Once is truly a production that combines the infectious rhythm of Irish céili, an incredibly talented cast of actor-musicians, an Academy Award-winning soundtrack and a heart-warming story, following a Dublin-born busker and vacuum-fixer as he meets a young Czech mother with a faulty vacuum cleaner who reinvigorates his passion for music.

Executive Producer, Andrew Gypoar said, ““Once is one of the most intimate and heartfelt musicals ever written, making Chapel Off Chapel the perfect venue. The intimate theatre allows audiences to feel every moment of the story and every note of the music. A musical about human connection, creativity, and the power of music, Once felt right to bring back to Melbourne now. Audiences are craving genuine, heartfelt stories, and this piece lets the music speak for itself.”

A pre-sale offer is currently available, with all tickets priced at $89 until March 30th. Casting details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Once The Musical will play at Chapel off Chapel – 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran, 3181 – from Wednesday to Sunday May 8th, 2026 through May 23rd, 2026.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Executive Producer: Andrew Gyopar
Director: Pip Mushin
Musical Director: Timothy John Wilson
Choreographer: Jamie White Production Design: Abbey Stanway Costume Design: Karen Spencer
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia) Music & Lyrics by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová
Book by Edna Walsh
DURATION
2hr 30 min with a 20-minute interval

ABOUT AG THEATRE

AG Theatre is an independent theatre production company dedicated to nurturing and promoting new Melbourne talent, both on and off stage. We believe that live theatre is a powerful way to bring people together and tell stories that inspire, challenge and entertain.

We create an environment where artists can experiment, take creative risks, and develop their craft, while providing opportunities for emerging and early career artists to have their voices heard. Committed to reflecting the diversity of our city and its people, AG Theatre works with artists from a broad spectrum of backgrounds.

As a Melbourne-based entertainment company, AG Theatre produces high-quality local live theatre. With a background in community-made independent productions, we are passionate about supporting local talent. By providing paid opportunities for performers, creatives, and crew members, we proudly introduce audiences to new and emerging Melbourne talent both on and off stage.