Pitlochry Festival Theatre has announced the lead casting for the Scottish premiere of the musical Once, starring Dylan Wood and Lydia White. This production marks the opening show of Alan Cumming’s first season as artistic director.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre will stage the Scottish premiere of Once from 23 May to 27 June 2026 in its main auditorium. The musical, adapted by Enda Walsh with music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, is based on John Carney’s 2007 film, which features the Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly”.

Dylan Wood, who recently played Orpheus in Hadestown, will star as Guy, a Dublin street musician on the verge of giving up his craft. Opposite him, Lydia White will play Girl, a Czech immigrant who encourages him to keep going and form an unlikely partnership with a group of musicians as they set out to record an album.

The production will be directed by John Tiffany, with design by Bob Crowley. Movement direction is by Steven Hoggett, while Martin Lowe takes charge of music supervision and orchestrations. Lighting will be handled by Natasha Katz, sound by Clive Goodwin, and casting by Stuart Burt.

Once made its Broadway debut in 2012, winning eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. It has become renowned for its intimate storytelling and evocative score, both of which are set to be brought to life in Pitlochry’s main venue.

The full cast has yet to be announced, with further details expected in the coming months. The musical opens Alan Cumming’s inaugural season as artistic director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, a leadership change documented and noted in theatre circles.