On Monday 10th June 2013 Dianne Pilkington is joining the West End cast of Mamma Mia to play Donna as part of the largest cast change in the production's history.
Dianne's recent West End credits include Master Class at the Vaudeville Theatre, The 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre and she is well known for starring as Glinda in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre for three years. She also recently appeared in Tom Hooper's film adaptation of Les Miserables.
Mamma Mia is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the storytelling magic of Abba’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise. To date, it has been seen by more than 54 million people in 38 productions in 14 different languages grossing more than $2 billion at the box office.
Last week I spoke to Dianne about how she is feeling about joining the show, her time in Wicked and what it was like working alongside Hollywood royalty while filming the Les Miserables movie...
What was it that first attracted you to the role of Donna?
I saw the show for the first time a few years ago and I remember just sitting there knowing that I wanted to play the part. She’s a very strong woman and there are a lot of stories relating to friendship which run through the show which is something which appeals to me – and obviously something which is similar to Wicked. It’s also funny because it’s like I’ve grown up (laughs)! It’s now time for me to be playing mothers rather than daughters!
You are joining Mamma Mia as part of the show's biggest ever cast change. What have the new cast been like to work with so far?
Everyone is just so lovely! We have a good laugh and everyone genuinely seems to love the show. The great thing about Mamma Mia is that they incorporate your own thoughts and personalities so the show is being re-invented all the time which keeps audiences coming back to see the show again and again.
Is it possible for you to pick a favourite Abba song?
Ahh! Well, my favourite Abba song has always been One Of Us which I’m so excited about as I get to sing it in the show! But I love them all – Mamma Mia is amazing and has been so successful because you have this really great fun story plus the brilliant music of Abba! I mean everyone likes at least one Abba song!
If there is anybody left who hasn’t yet seen the show, what can they expect?
Is there anybody who hasn’t seen it? I’m not sure?! Well it is a show for all the family, it’s got multi-generational and cross-generational relationships. Everybody can relate to one of the characters. It’s a great night out with great energy and music. Plus if it is a dull British day you can come along and get some sunshine!
A lot of people will know you for playing Glinda in the West End production of Wicked for three years, do you have fond memories of being part of the show?
I still love the show! I was a fan before I went into it and I am still a fan now, I just had the most amazing time and I feel very lucky to be going into another very different yet brilliant show. I also loved working alongside Kerry (Ellis) and Alexia (Khadime).
Recently Kerry had a concert at the Palladium…
Ahh I know! I couldn’t go because I’ve just had a little baby and the concert was on my only day off! I bet it was amazing!
…and to finish the show she was joined by Rachel Tucker, Louise Dearman and Alexia Khadime to do a little Elphaba-off, would you be up for taking part in a Glinda-off?
(laughs) I hear Miss (Gina) Beck has issued a challenge on Twitter! I don’t know how it would work?! At the moment I’m just so busy with my baby but I would love to take part in a little Glinda battle in the future!
What is it like being in a long running show like Wicked or Mamma Mia? How do you go about keeping your performance fresh each night?
I’m still to find that out with Mamma Mia but when you’re given such a complex character, like Donna or Glinda, you can always find something more and I think if you ever get to the stage where you can’t find something more then it’s time to go. Human beings are very strange creatures and there are so many different reasons as to why we do things! Obviously every audience is different and when understudies are on they change things up a bit and you just have to go with it!
You recently made an appearance in the Les Miserables film, what was the experience like?
It was really interesting and a lot of fun, I desperately wanted to be part of it. Les Mis was my first job and was probably the reason that I went to drama school. I was pregnant so I felt ill most of the time but it was great to be able to work with a lot of old friends! I was in the same scene as Kerry (Ellis) so it was amazing to be reunited for a few days!
The film was like a who’s who of the West End!
I know, it was hilarious! And of course Samantha Barks was just so brilliant; she’s such a lovely girl. Between scenes we all just casually sat around dressed as prostitutes, it was all a bit surreal! Also I never thought I would come across all these incredible Hollywood stars in my daily life!
What are your favourite shows in the West End at the moment?
Well obviously Mamma Mia! And I still love Wicked! I went to see Billy Elliot for the first time a few years ago and it is stunning. This is such an exciting time for theatre, there is also some great stuff on the fringe. When I have some time I need to see The Bodyguard, A Chorus Line and Merrily!
You have built up a big fan-base over the years, what would you like to say to them?
They are brilliant! They are just so supportive and long may that continue! I can’t wait to see everyone again because for the past year I’ve been doing baby things!
andrew@westendframe.com
Mamma Mia is currently booking at the Novello Theatre until 5th April 2014.
Mamma Mia is currently booking at the Novello Theatre until 5th April 2014.
Follow Dianne on Twitter: @dipelletier
Follow Mamma Mia on Twitter: @MammaMiaMusical
Like Mamma Mia on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mammamiamusical
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