24 new Mamma Mia! cast members in total have been pencilled in to join the show including Jane Milligan, Richard Trinder and Emma Crossley.
Jane Milligan, daughter of the late legendary Spike Milligan aims to put her own unique twist on her new role as Rosie and Richard Trinder gets a lighter role as Sam, as opposed to his macabre portrayal as a Death Eater in Harry Potter.
The leading role has fallen to Dianne Pilkington who can name West End long-runners The 39 Steps and Wicked amongst her impressive repertoire. In her first season she was nominated for the 2008 Theatregoers Choice Award for Best Takeover and in 2009 scooped an Art and Culture Woman of the Future award. She said she is delighted to have the chance to shine in this established production and will certainly give the show renewed enthusiasm.
Often inspired by the music of Abba, Mamma Mia! is thestory of a former singer, Donna Sheridan, whose daughter is due to marry at their island home. When Sophie, desperate for her real father to give her away at the wedding, invites the three potential candidates to attend, Donna finds her past catching up with her.
The production opened at the Prince Edward theatre in 1999 before moving to the Prince of Wales theatre and then later to its current home at the Novello. It is thought to have been seen by more than 54 million people in 38 productions worldwide. Incredibly it is estimated that more than 10 per cent of the UK’s population have seen the show in the 14 years it has played in the capital.
The Swedish group with over 350 million album sales to their name are also rumoured to be looking at a reunion this year, one only wonders if one of the top theatre productions in the world with such a close connection could inspire a possible appearance.
Mamma Mia! is performing at London's Novello Theatre. Book Mamma Mia! tickets now online, or by calling us on 0845 505 8500
Mamma Mia! is performing at London's Novello Theatre. Book Mamma Mia! tickets now online, or by calling us on 0845 505 8500