Big Interview: Sanne den Besten, starring as Sophie in Mamma Mia!

Sanne den Besten is currently starring as Sophie Sheridan in the West End production of Mamma Mia!, having taken over the role in June this year. 

Last year Sanne, who is from Holland, made her West End debut as understudy Fantine in Les Miserables (Queens Theatre). 

Her credits also include: understudy Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Dutch tour), The Humans (New York, Rotterdam and the Festival D’Avignon) and alternate Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music (Dutch tour). 

Mamma Mia! opened in the West End in 1999 and recently celebrated its 17th birthday. The Abba musical is currently booking at the Novello Theatre to 4th March 2017.

I recently spoke to Sanne about life in Mamma Mia!, what it was like to go from the West End’s heaviest musical to the West End’s sunniest musical and her journey from Holland to the West End…

Are you feeling settled into life in Mamma Mia!?

Yes, we’re up and running and everybody has settled in. Now we’re able to have more and more fun with it. It has been really good!

Mamma Mia! announces new cast

Here she goes again! Linzi Hateley is set to reprise her performance as Donna Sheridan in the West End production of Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre from 13th June 2016.

Hateley has played the role twice before in London – from 2007-2009 and in 2010. Her other recent theatre credits include Barnum (tour), London Road (National Theatre & film) and Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre). 

Also joining the cast of Mamma Mia! are Sanne Den Besten (Les Misérables) as Sophie Sheridan, Richard Carson (Miss Saigon/Wicked) as Sky, Dugald Bruce-Lockhart (The Three Lions/39 Steps) as Bill, Jemma Revell as Ali, Amy Webb as Lisa, Filippo Coffano as Pepper and Jake Small as Eddie, with Sorelle Marsh playing the role of Donna Sheridan at certain performances. They will be joining Mazz Murray as Tanya, Jo Napthine as Rosie, Richard Trinder as Sam and Alasdair Harvey as Harry.

Casting announced for Mamma Mia! UK tour

Casting has been announced for the first ever UK tour of Mamma Mia!. 

Mamma Mia! will open at the Bristol Hippodrome on 25th March 2016 before visiting Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Southampton, Cardiff and Edinburgh with further dates to be announced.

The tour will star Sara Poyzer as Donna Sheridan and Lucy May Barker (pictured) as Sophie Sheridan as well as Emma Clifford as Tanya, Jacqueline Braun as Rosie, Phillip Ryan as Sky and Jenna Lee James as alternate Donna.

The cast also includes Tim Walton as Harry Bright, Christopher Hollis as Bill Austin, Richard Standing as Sam Carmichael, Micha Richardson as Ali, Blaise Colangelo as Lisa, Louis Stockil as Pepper and Sam Robinson as Eddie.

Mamma Mia! extends West End booking period

Mamma Mia! has extended its West End booking period at the Novello Theatre to 22nd October 2016, taking the show through to its 18th playing year in London.

The musical currently stars: Dianne Pilkington as Donna Sheridan, Mazz Murray as Tanya, Jo Napthine as Rosie, Gabriella Williams as Sophie Sheridan and James Darch as Sky.

The cast also includes: Richard Trinder as Sam, Alasdair Harvey as Harry, Charles Daish as Bill, Louise Young as Ali, Stephanie Fearon as Lisa, Dan Partridge as Pepper and Rory Phelan as Eddie. At certain performances, the role of Donna Sheridan is played by Shona White.

GOSSIP: Meryl Streep to star in Mamma Mia sequel?

According to the New York Post, Meryl Streep could star in a sequel to the 2008 Mamma Mia! movie.

The first film, which is adapted from the stage show which premiered in London in 1999, is the highest-grossing musical movie of all time. 

Michael Riedel reports that once Mamma Mia! closes on Broadway next weekend, concluding a fourteen year run, producer Judy Craymer will "turn her attention" to a Mamma Mia! movie sequel. 

Interview: Gabriella Williams, starring as Sophie in Mamma Mia!

Gabriella Williams recently took over as Sophie Sheridan in the West End production of Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre. 

Marking her West End debut, Gabriella stars alongside Mazz Murray, Jo Napthine, James Darch and Dianne Pilkington as her mother, Donna Sheridan. Having recently made her professional debut as Chris in Carrie at the Southwark Playhouse, this summer Gabriella will graduate from Arts Educational Schools. 

I recently spoke to Gabriella about stepping into such an iconic role, her favourite Abba song, why she looks up to Dianne Pilkington and her fond memories of Carrie…

Sophie is a massive dream role for so many actresses in musical theatre – was it a part you had your eye on?

It was certainly a role I wanted to play, but I don’t think I expected to be so lucky so early on! I haven’t graduated yet so it’s all very overwhelming for me. It’s an absolute dream role, I get to sing amazing songs with incredibly talented people. It’s a really, really lovely part – you get some of the best songs in the musical, in my opinion anyway [laughs]. It’s an absolute dream!

Sneak peek at... the new West End cast of Mamma Mia!

New production images have been released for the West End production of Mamma Mia! featuring the musical's latest West End cast. Check out the images below (click image to enlarge).

West End icon Mazz Murray recently took over as Tanya, with Jo Napthine as Rosie, Gabriella Williams as Sophie Sheridan, James Darch as Sky, Louise Young as Ali, Stephanie Fearon as Lisa, Dan Partridge as Pepper and Rory Phelan as Eddie. 

Dianne Pilkington continues to star as Donna Sheridan in the musical - which runs at the Novello Theatre - alongside Richard Trinder as Sam, Alasdair Harvey as Harry and Charles Daish as Bill. At certain performances, the role of Donna Sheridan will be played by Shona White.

Mamma Mia! announces new West End cast!

The West End production of Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre will welcome new cast members from Monday 8th June 2015. 

West End icon Mazz Murray (pictured right) will take over as Tanya, with Jo Napthine as Rosie, Gabriella Williams as Sophie Sheridan and James Darch as Sky. 

Also joining the cast from 8th June will be Louise Young as Ali, Stephanie Fearon as Lisa, Dan Partridge as Pepper and Rory Phelan as Eddie. 

Dianne Pilkington will continue to star as Donna Sheridan, with Richard Trinder as Sam, Alasdair Harvey as Harry and Charles Daish as Bill. At certain performances, the role of Donna Sheridan will be played by Shona White.

Mamma Mia extends West End booking to April 2016

Mamma Mia has extended its West End booking period at the Novello Theatre until 23rd April 2016, taking the show through to its 18th year in London.

The West End production currently stars Kim Ismay, Dianne Pilkington, Rebecca Lock and Alice Stokoe. 

The musical has now been seen by more than 54 million people in 49 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $2 billion at the box office.

Mamma Mia originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6th April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004. The musical re-opened at the Novello Theatre in 2012. 

Mamma Mia announces Broadway closure

It has been announced that Mamma Mia is closing on Broadway. 

The production will close on 5th September 2015 after almost fourteen years on the Great White Way.

Mamma Mia will have played 5,765 performances in New York, making it the eighth-longest-running show in Broadway history. The production has been seen by more than seven million people.

The cast includes Judy McLane (pictured right) as Donna and Elena Ricardo as Sophie. The Broadway production of Mamma Mia opened at the Winter Garden Theatre in October 2001 before transferring to the Broadhurst Theatre in November 2013.

Mamma Mia announces first ever UK Tour!

2014/15 West End cast

Mamma Mia has announced plans for its first ever UK Tour! 

The production's International Tour has previously played regional dates in the UK, but this marks the first time a UK touring production of the Abba musical has been launched.

Confirmed dates so far include the Bristol Hippodrome (25 March - 7 May 2016), Palace Theatre in Manchester (10 May – 4 June 2016) and Nottingham Royal Concert Hall (14 - 25 June 2016). Further dates will be announced soon.

Casting announced for Mamma Mia's run in Liverpool

Casting has been announced for Mamma Mia's 2015 Liverpool run.

Sara Poyzer will play Donna Sheridan, with Coronation Street's Shobna Gulati (pictured right) as Tanya and Sue Devaney as Rosie, when the Mamma Mia International Tour returns to the UK. Poyzer has also played Donna in the West End production.

The production will also star Poyzer’s real-life husband Richard Standing as Sam Carmichael alongside Michael Beckley as Bill Austin, Mark Jardine as Harry Bright, Niamh Perry as Sophie Sheridan, Justin Thomas as Sky, Daniella Bowen as Ali, Tara Young as Lisa, Alex Simmons as Pepper and Charlie Stemp as Eddie. The role of Donna will be played at certain performances by Francesca Ellis.

Mamma Mia extends West End booking to October 2015

Dianne Pilkington & Alice Stokoe

Mamma Mia has extended its West End run at the Novello Theatre to 24th October 2015. 

The new booking period will take Mamma Mia through into its 17th playing year in London. The ABBA musical has been seen by more than 54 million people in 39 productions in 14 different languages grossing more than $2 billion at the box office. 

Mamma Mia originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6th April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004. The musical re-opened at the Novello Theatre in 2012. 

Mamma Mia International Tour announces 2015 Liverpool run

The Mamma Mia International Tour will return to the UK next year for a run in Liverpool.

The production will run at the Liverpool Empire between Friday 20th February and Saturday 14th March, with Liverpool being the only UK mainland date outside of London to host the production in 2015. The show enjoyed a hugely successful sell-out season at Echo Arena Liverpool in 2010.

Interview: Katy Osborne, currently in Mamma Mia

As well as working as a swing in Mamma Mia, Katy Osborne is currently busy organising a charity concert entitled ‘The Philippine Dream’.

Taking place at the Leicester Square Theatre this Sunday (17th August), The Philippine Dream will see performances from West End stars including Summer Strallen, Dianne Pilkington, Charlotte Riby, Alicia Beck, Tyrone Huntley and Harry Francis as well as Anton du Beke, the West End Frame Award winning Daniel Buckley and Miss Saigon’s Hugh Maynard and Rachelle Ann Go who will perform a special duet with Blake.

The concert is raising money for abandoned and abused orphans in Manila. All proceeds will go directly towards the building of a brand new Arts Centre at the Tuloy Foundation, with the potential for a small theatre to be built, allowing young children the opportunity to perform and showcase their talents. The Orphanage is keen for performing to be a part of their schooling as it has such a positive effect on many of the young people, bringing confidence, self-discovery, pride and joy into their daily lives.

Katy’s theatre credits include: swing in We Will Rock You (original cast, Cologne), Ensemble in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour), Ensemble in Hello, Dolly! (UK Tour/Theatre Royal, Lincoln), first cover Lisa in Mamma Mia (International Tour), Ensemble in The Bet (Criterion), featured soloist in West End Laine (Aldwych) and Wendy in Peter Pan (Richmond).

Katy speaks to West End Frame about why she’s organising The Philippine Dream, what people can expect from the evening and life in Mamma Mia…

There is so much excitement surrounding The Philippine Dream. Are you pleased with how the show is coming together? 

Yes I am incredibly thrilled with the progress for The Philippine Dream; some wonderful performers are working very hard to make this a very special evening!

Photo Feature: Mamma Mia opens in Blackpool with Gala Night performance

Earlier this week, the Mamma Mia international tour celebrated its opening in Blackpool with a special Gala Night reception which was attended by VIP guests. Take a look at photos from the evening below (click on image to enlarge).

Niamh Perry stars as Sophie during the production's exclusive UK Summer Season at the Blackpool Opera House which continues until Sunday 14th September 2014. The cast is led by real-life husband and wife, Richard Standing and Sara Poyzer as Donna Sheridan and Sam Carmichael.

Niamh Perry returns to Mamma Mia for Blackpool run

Sara Poyzer and Niamh Perry

Niamh Perry will star Sophie in the Mamma Mia International Tour when it plays its exclusive UK Summer Season at the Blackpool Opera House.

The musical runs in Blackpool from Friday 20th June to Sunday 14th September 2014. Niamh previously played the role in the West End in 2009, when the musical celebrated its 10th birthday. 

Bangor-born Niamh first came to attention when she was one of the finalists in the BBC series I’d Do Anything. In 2010, she created the lead role of Fleck in the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Love Never Dies and then went on to play the title role in the world premiere of the musical version of The Little Prince at the Lyric, Belfast. 

Most recently, she played Mary in the revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Ben Elton musical The Beautiful Game at the Union Theatre, London. Niamh was a soloist in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 60th Birthday Concert in Hyde Park broadcast on BBC Radio 2, and supported Lee Mead on his Nothing Else Matters Album concert tour in 2010/11.

Interview: Helen Hobson & Charlotte Wakefield - third time lucky!

West End performers Helen Hobson (pictured right) and Charlotte Wakefield are currently preparing to star in Picture Perfect: A New Musical.

The contemporary song-cycle explores love and relationships using the songs of award-winning American composer Scott Evan Davis. Conceived and directed by Simon Greiff, it receives its London premiere at the St James Studio with four performances on Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June.

Over the past few years Helen and Charlotte have become famous for working together. The pair first worked together when they played mother and daughter – Donna and Sophie – in the West End production of Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre), following stints in the show’s international tour. The pair both left Mamma Mia at the same time and immediately went on to star as Mother Abbess and Maria in The Sound of Music (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). The production won rave reviews, sold out and broke records at the Open Air Theatre.

Helen recently appeared in the sold out run of The Kinks’ musical Sunny Afternoon at the Hampstead Theatre. Her theatre credits also include: The Sunny Side of the Street (Jermyn Street), Ma in The Human Comedy (Young Vic), Mrs Johnston in Blood Brothers (Phoenix), Rita in Educating Rita (Palace Theatre, West Cliff), Cathy in Heathcliff (Hammersmith/UK Tour), Grizabella in Cats (UK Tour) and Rose Vibert in Aspects of Love (Prince of Wales).

Charlotte (pictured left) received her second Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Maria in The Sound of Music. She was previously nominated for her performance as Wendla Bergman in Spring Awakening (Lyric Hammersmith/Novello). Charlotte returns to the St James Studio fresh from starring in a successful run of A Spoonful of Sherman.

I recently spoke to Helen and Charlotte about what it’s like to be back working together, why they were attracted to Picture Perfect and what they think about the current state of new writing in London…

What’s it like to be back together, working opposite each other once again?!

[both laugh] Helen Hobson: Really, really brilliant! I saw Charlotte the other night when she came to see my show at the Hampstead Theatre and we whooped with joy in the bar afterwards, it’s very exciting – third time lucky!

Mamma Mia announces new West End cast

Dianne Pilkington & Kim Ismay

Following the recent 15th birthday celebrations for Mamma Mia in London, there will be major cast changes from Monday 9th June 2014. 

Rebecca Lock will be joining the cast as Rosie, Alasdair Harvey as Harry, Charles Daish as Bill, Alice Stokoe as Sophie Sheridan and Lloyd Green as Sky. 

Also joining the cast from 9th June will be Rosanna Bates as Ali, Brodie McBride as Lisa, James Alexander Gibbs as Pepper and James Alan-Evans as Eddie. 

Dianne Pilkington will continue to star as Donna Sheridan, with Kim Ismay as Tanya and Richard Trinder as Sam. At certain performances, the role of Donna Sheridan will be played by Shona White.

Mamma Mia extends booking to April 2015 & celebrates 15th birthday

The West End production of Mamma Mia has extended its booking period at the Novello Theatre until Saturday 25th April 2015. The musical celebrates its 15th birthday in London on Sunday (6th April).

Kim Ismay, Dianne Pilkington & Jane Milligan

As we previously revealed, Abba's Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, who have rarely performed together since Abba disbanded in 1982, will join the cast of Mamma Mia in a musical finale at this year's Olivier Awards. This historic performance will be televised as part of the highlights show, being broadcast on ITV at 22:15 on Sunday 13th April.