A cast of 12 actor-musicians will bring Once to QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre from 2 January 2027, with the musical making its Brisbane debut in a new revival presented by Queensland Performing Arts Centre in association with Woodward Productions. The revival comes from the creative team behind a number of other musicals presented in the Cremorne Theatre in recent years, such as this year’s Little Shop of Horrors.
The production places live music at the centre of an unlikely romance. Against an Irish pub backdrop, a struggling Irish musician meets a young Czech immigrant, with their shared connection to music opening the way to a relationship neither expected. Adapted from John Carney’s film, Once features songs by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.
For Brisbane audiences, the Cremorne setting will put that music and the performers in close quarters. QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy discussed how the venue would shape the experience:
It’s rare to experience such a globally-celebrated musical in such an intimate setting. The Cremorne Theatre allows audiences to feel completely immersed in the story, as though they’re sitting alongside the musicians in an Irish pub. Woodward Productions has built a reputation for creating world-class, accessible theatre, and we are delighted to partner with them again to bring this much-loved story to Brisbane audiences.
For Woodward Productions Founder and Producer Alex Woodward, the Brisbane season follows a longstanding connection with both versions of the story:
I fell in love with Once through the original film and have had the joy of seeing the live production in New York as well as the original Melbourne production. We are beyond thrilled to bring Once to Brisbane for its premiere season. Brisbane audiences have a real appreciation for heartfelt and authentic storytelling and this remarkable piece delivers just that.
Woodward Productions’ recent theatre work also includes The 39 Steps, The Woman in Black and Sherlock Holmes: The Mystery of the Valkyrie. Tickets for Once go on sale to the public on Wednesday 14 October 2026 through the official QPAC website, ahead of performances beginning on 2 January 2027.
