Mamma Mia! The Smash Hit Musical Moves To New West End Home Next Autumn
October 14, 2011
Flagship production of the worldwide phenomenon transfers to the Novello Theatre in September 2012
Following record-breaking runs at the Prince Edward and Prince of Wales Theatres in London’s West End, the flagship production of the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! will move to the Novello Theatre in September 2012.
To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen by more than 50 million people in 34 productions in 14 different languages grossing more than $2 billion at the box office. MAMMA MIA! the Movie is the highest grossing musical film and one in four households in the UK have the DVD.
MAMMA MIA!’s original creator and producer, Judy Craymer, said the following about the next step for the pioneering London production:
“I am delighted that the original production of MAMMA MIA! will move to the stage of the beautiful Novello Theatre. It is a perfect space for the musical. The Novello is a gem of a theatre that perfectly suits the creative needs of MAMMA MIA!, and provides a comfortable and friendly experience for audiences in the heart of Theatreland.”
From West End to global phenomenon, the London production of MAMMA MIA! has now been seen by more than 1 in 10 of the entire UK population. It’s one of only 5 musicals in history to have run for more than 10 years on both Broadway and in the West End.
MAMMA MIA! has also recently become the first Western musical ever to be staged in the People’s Republic of China – in Chinese. The show opened in Shanghai in July this year with a Mandarin-speaking cast and heralded a new era of musical theatre in China.
With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.
MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.
Release issued by: Amanda Malpass PR
LINKS
Mamma Mia! Now Booking To October 2012 At London’s Prince Of Wales Theatre
September 2, 2011
The global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre has announced a new booking period with tickets for the show now on sale until 20 October 2012.
The new booking period will take MAMMA MIA! through into its 14th playing year in London. From the West End to global phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise.
MAMMA MIA! currently has eight productions running simultaneously around the world; it has opened in more cities (over 300) faster than any other show in theatrical history; over 50 million people have seen it worldwide; the London production has now been seen by more than 1 in 10 of the UK population; and the show has grossed over $2 billion. Since opening in London in 1999, MAMMA MIA! has been translated into 14 languages and has become the first ever global musical produced in Chinese. The show opened in Shanghai in July and was a landmark production, beginning a new era of musical theatre in China. The Broadway production celebrates its 10th Anniversary in October.
The London cast is currently led by Sally Ann Triplett as ‘Donna Sheridan’, Joanna Monro as ‘Rosie’ and Kim Ismay as ‘Tanya’, with William Tapley as ‘Sam Carmichael’, Oliver Senton ‘Harry Bright’, Mark Gillis ‘Bill Austin’, Dani De Waal ‘Sophie Sheridan’, Craig Fletcher ‘Sky’, Hannah Fairclough ‘Ali’, Rachel Sargent ‘Lisa’, Warren Sollars ‘Pepper’ and Alex Jessop ‘Eddie’. At certain performances, the role of ‘Donna Sheridan’ will be played by Melissa Jacques.
With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.
MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.
Release issued by: Amanda Malpass PR
LINKS
Book tickets to Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London
West End Live 2011: Mamma Mia!, Million Dollar Quartet, Shrek The Musical and We Will Rock You
June 26, 2011
West End Live 2011 photos the casts of Mamma Mia!, Million Dollar Quartet, Shrek The Musical and We Will Rock You
LINKS
Book tickets to Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre
Book tickets to Million Dollar Quartet at the Noel Coward Theatre
Book tickets to Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Book tickets to We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre
View West End Live photos of Rock of Ages and Betty Blue Eyes
View West End Live photos of The Wizard of Oz and Crazy For You
View West End Live photos of Ghost The Musical, Wicked and Jersey Boys
View West End Live photos of Legally Blonde and Lend Me A Tenor
View West End Live photos of Billy Elliot and Love Never Dies
View West End Live photos of Chicago, The Lion King, Priscilla Queen of the Desert
A New London Cast For “Mamma Mia!” At The Prince Of Wales Theatre From Monday 13 June
May 19, 2011
The new London cast for the global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! at the Prince of Wales Theatre will start performances on Monday 13 June. The cast will be headed by Sally Ann Triplett as ‘Donna Sheridan’, with Joanna Monro as ‘Rosie’ and Kim Ismay as ‘Tanya’. William Tapley will play ‘Sam Carmichael’, Oliver Senton ‘Harry Bright’, Mark Gillis ‘Bill Austin’, Dani De Waal ‘Sophie Sheridan’, Craig Fletcher ‘Sky’, Hannah Fairclough ‘Ali’, Rachel Sargent ‘Lisa’, Warren Sollars ‘Pepper’ and Alex Jessop ‘Eddie’. At certain performances, the role of ‘Donna Sheridan’ will be played by Melissa Jacques.
From the West End to global phenomenon, MAMMA MIA!, which has just celebrated its 12th Anniversary in London, is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise.
MAMMA MIA! has more productions running simultaneously around the world than any other show (currently 8), it has opened in more cities (280) faster than any other show in theatrical history, 45 million people have seen it, the London production has now been seen by more than 1 in 10 of the UK population, and the show has grossed over $2 billion. Since opening in London in 1999, MAMMA MIA! has been translated into 14 languages and will become the first ever global musical produced in Chinese. The show which opens in Shanghai in July will be a landmark production beginning a new era of musical theatre in China. The Broadway production celebrates its 10th Anniversary in October.
MAMMA MIA! The Movie, the film inspired by the stage show and produced by Judy Craymer, starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Christine Baranski, Dominic Cooper and Amanda Seyfried, is the highest grossing musical film of all time. The film grossed over £69m at the UK Box Office and one in four homes across the UK has the DVD.
With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.
MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.
Release issued by: Amanda Malpass Media
LINKS
SPECIAL OFFER: Book tickets to Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London
Mamma Mia! Celebrates 12 Years In The West End On Wednesday 6 April
April 5, 2011
April 6th 2011 is the 37th Anniversary of ABBA’s Waterloo victory at the Eurovision Song Contest; it is also the 12th Anniversary of the original production of the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA!.
From the West End to global phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise.
Judy Craymer said, “It has been the most amazing journey from opening the London show in 1999 to now celebrating its 12th year. I’m so proud of the original production; it is the flagship show and so embraced by the audiences especially following the popularity of the film.”
MAMMA MIA! has more productions running simultaneously around the world than any other show (currently 9), it’s opened in more cities (270) faster than any other show in theatrical history, 45 million people have seen it, the double platinum original cast recording sells more than 5,000 copies per week, the London production has now been seen by more than 1 in 10 of the UK population, and the show has grossed over $2 billion. Since opening in London in 1999, MAMMA MIA! has been translated into 14 languages and will become the first ever global musical produced in Chinese. The show which opens in Shanghai in July will be a landmark production beginning a new era of musical theatre in China. The Broadway production celebrates its 10th Anniversary in October.
MAMMA MIA! The Movie, the film inspired by the stage show and produced by Judy Craymer, gets its UK Network Premiere on ITV1 on Saturday 9th April at 7pm. The film starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Christine Baranski, Dominic Cooper and Amanda Seyfried, is the highest grossing musical film of all time. The film grossed over £69m at the UK Box Office and one in four homes across the UK has the DVD.
With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.
MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.
Release issued by: Amanda Malpass Media
LINKS
Book tickets to Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London
Mamma Mia! Hits Its 5000th Performance In London
March 17, 2011
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AT WESTFIELD, LONDON BETWEEN 19-27 MARCH AS PART OF VISIT GREECE @ WESTFIELD LONDON
MAMMA MIA! reaches another milestone tonight, Thursday 17 March, at the Prince of Wales Theatre, when the show celebrates its 5000th performance in London. Producer of MAMMA MIA! worldwide, Judy Craymer, is delighted: “I am so proud that the London show, which started the whole ball rolling with stage productions around the world and the international success of the film, is celebrating its 5000th performance in London. This is a great milestone. Here’s to many more!”
Cast members from MAMMA MIA! will be making special appearances at Westfield London from 19-27 March as part of Visit Greece@Westfield London, an event organised by the Greek National Tourism Organisation and Aegean Airlines. Westfield London in Shepherds Bush will feature a 1500sq.m Greek Theme Park on the ground floor atrium. All of the park’s activities will be complimentary to the public and will be a celebration of Greece’s unique characteristics as a major tourist destination. As MAMMA MIA! is set on a Greek island, it seemed only natural to ask Judy Craymer if some of her cast would be able to perform in the Greek Theme Park. The performances, which will feature artists who are either currently in or have recently been in a production of MAMMA MIA!, will be at 6.30pm every day and also at 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays throughout 19-27 March, with an extra performance added at 1.30pm on Tuesday 22 March.
To be able to experience the full stage show, currently starring Linzi Hateley as Donna Sheridan, Jessie May as Sophie, Catherine Russell as Rosie and Harriet Thorpe as Tanya, visit www.mamma-mia.com or ‘phone the Box Office on 0844 482 5115 or SEE on 0870 264 3333. MAMMA MIA! is now booking until 28 April 2012. Tickets are priced from £20.00-£67.50. Performance times are Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm, with Friday performances at 5.00pm and 8.30pm and Saturday performances at 3.00pm and 7.30pm.
Inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson’s enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago…
With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.
MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.
Release issued by Amanda Malpass Media
LINKS
Book tickets to Mamma Mia! The Musical
VIDEO: Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre
November 2, 2010
The ultimate feel-good show, featuring the songs of ABBA.
Book tickets to Mamma Mia!
More information about the show
More information about the Prince of Wales Theatre
VIDEO
Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre – video 1
VIDEO
Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre – video 2
LINKS
Watch more videos on West End Theatre TV
Jennifer Saunders to pen Spice Girls show
September 6, 2010
The producer of Mamma Mia! has commissioned Jennifer Saunders to write the book for the new Spice Girls musical.
New musical to be based on the Spice Girls' back catalogue of songs
Judy Craymer, who has become a multi-millionaire by producing the stage and movie versions of the ABBA show, will produce new West End musical Viva Forever using the girl group’s songs. The show is slated to open in the West End in 2012.
The musical will follow a similar pattern to Mamma Mia!, using the band’s back catalogue but woven into a new story. It won’t be a bio-musical of the singers.
Judy Craymer said in a statement that, “having Jennifer Saunders on board is the best possible start Viva Forever can have. Jennifer is brilliant at writing about these themes and the Spice Girls’ songs connect powerfully in a smart and moving way.”
Billed as a romantic comedy musical, the contemporary tale will be about a group of young women, with a particular focus on one girl and her mother – mirroring the storyline of Mamma Mia! The show will also uphold the spirit of the Spice Girls, using essences of their personalities within the key characters and centring on camaraderie, love and loyalty.
Jennifer Saunders, who has won five BAFTA awards, has forged a successful career as a comedienne, scriptwriter and actress including a long comedy partnership with Dawn French as well as writing BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. She said she is “thrilled and terrified at the same time” about the project.
Jennifer Saunders' cameo in Spice World - the Spice Girls movie
The show is also backed by Universal Music, the Spice Girls’ manager Simon Fuller and the Spice Girls themselves. Simon Fuller, credited as being the most successful British music manager of all time, said earlier in the year that, “what Judy has achieved with her all-conquering box office smash hit Mamma Mia! and what the Spice Girls created with their powerful record-breaking mix of ‘girl power’ and hit songs, has influenced pop culture more than anyone can imagine”.
Craymer recently told the Daily Mail that the story will reveal the darker side of search-for-a-star TV talent shows, although hopefully not Spice Girl Emma Bunton’s recent attempt at the genre, channel Five’s unsuccessful Don’t Stop Believing.
ITV’s This Morning – Musicals week
August 25, 2010
Whilst we desperately try to avoid turning on the TV before cocktail hour, sometimes the search for art and beauty (and a good show tune) prevails.
All this week, ITV’s This Morning has been celebrating the West End Musical, with Monday’s show featuring the cast of Mamma Mia! and Tuesday shaking things up with Sister Act.
Today, at 11am, Noel Sullivan, Lauren Samuels and the cast of Grease sang Summer Nights on the show.
And coming up next is the cast of Dirty Dancing tomorrow, Thursday 26 August, and the cast of We Will Rock You on Friday.
THE MICHAEL BALL SHOW
ITV’s The Michael Ball Show, on ITV1 weekdays from 3pm, will feature Cameron Mackintosh today. The theatre impresario will discuss celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables, and will be joined by Gareth Gates who is playing Marius in the touring production – soon to come to the Barbican in London.
Lauren Samuels on This Morning
Grease's Noel Sullivan and Lauren Samuels interviewed on This Morning
Mamma Mia! tickets at the Prince of Wales Theatre
July 29, 2010
Over 30 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show!
Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.
The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives! The show features 27 of Abba’s best known songs including Dancing Queen, Knowing Me Knowing You, Super Trouper and Mamma Mia!
‘A GLORIOUS EVENING OF FUN!’ Baz Bamigboye. Daily Mail.
Book tickets to see Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London
