Ronan Keating makes West End debut in Once: First look pictures

The former Boyzone singer plays the male lead alongside Jill Winternitz

Ronan Keating as 'Guy' in West End musical Once (Brinkhoff Mogenburg)

First look pictures have been releasing showing Ronan Keating as the new lead in award-winning musical Once.

The former Boyzone singer has made his West End debut as busker ‘Guy’, starring alongside Jill Winternitz as his immigrant love interest, ‘Girl’.

Based on the 2007 Oscar-winning film of the same name, the story follows the characters during an eventful week in Dublin as they share their love of music and songwriting. Soon, a deep connection is formed between the pair, and a tender, unexpected romance begins to blossom.

Keating was "truly bowled over" when offered the part of 'Guy' in Once. "I believe it's a modern day masterpiece," he said.

"When I was asked about playing the lead male I was completely overwhelmed because I knew it would be perfect - this was my home town, my people, and the place where I begin my own music career."

The theatre show opened in April 2013 and went on to win the 2014 Olivier Award for outstanding achievement in music. The music and lyrics are by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, both of whom starred as the leads in the film and won an Oscar for best original song (“Falling Slowly”).

Keating performed with the cast of Once on BBC's Children in Need charity telethon earlier this month, which also featured a reunion performance from Nineties pop group S Club 7.

Tickets for Once at London’s Phoenix Theatre are on sale now from £19.50, with dates booking until 21 March 2015.