THE VERY POPULAR THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
THE VERY POPULAR THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION OF MUSIC AND LYRICS BY AND SOME SONGS WITH STIG ANDERSON MAMMA MIA! WAS ORIGINALLY PRODUCED IN LONDON BY JUDY CRAYMER, RICHARD EAST AND BJÖRN ULVAEUS FOR LITTLESTAR IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL & ARRANGEMENTS MUSIC PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia). This production of MAMMA MIA! opened at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle on Saturday 11, October 2025 We acknowledge the Awabakal people as the traditional custodians of the land and waters of Newcastle, where we work, live, rehearse and tell our stories. BOOK BY CATHERINE JOHNSON martin koch ORIGINALLY CONCEIVED BY JUDY CRAYMER BENNY ANDERSSON BJÖRN ULVAEUS Director ERIN JAMES Associate Director / Musical Director DAN WILSON Choreographer RACHEL STARK Assistant Director RILEY McCLEAN Stage Manager ELESE MURRAY Set Design JOSH McINTOSH Costume Design LAINEY DONNELLY Lighting Designer CHRISTOPHER SNAPE Sound Designer JACOB HARWOOD
TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT SUPERSTARSCONCERT.COM.AU
Daniel Stoddart Producer A MESSAGE FROM THE PRODUCER There’s something timeless about the music of ABBA. These songs have been part of the soundtrack of our lives for decades... joyful, uplifting, and always reminding us of the power of music to connect us. Mamma Mia! takes that music and weaves it into a heart-warming story about family, identity, love, and belonging. In a world that can often feel uncertain, I believe we need this show right now. It is a celebration of joy, togetherness, and finding home in the people we love. We are delighted to bring Mamma Mia! to the Civic Theatre Newcastle in a fresh and exciting way... one that will get you in the mood for summer and invite you to join the biggest party in town. This production is as much about community as it is about performance, bringing together artists, technicians, and audiences to share in something larger than all of us. This show has been brought to life by a dedicated and gifted creative team, led by Erin James, Dan Wilson, and Rachel Stark, alongside our entire crew who have poured their vision and artistry into every detail. I am equally grateful to our fantastic cast, who have given their energy, love, and talents to transport you to a sun-drenched Greek island where anything feels possible. Their commitment reminds me why live theatre is so extraordinary: it only exists when we come together, here and now. I am especially proud that this is the first production of its scale in Newcastle’s history where every cast member is being paid for their work. To lead the way as the city’s only professional theatre company is both humbling and inspiring, and we hope it sets an example for the next generation of creative artists and performers. We raise the bar because our audiences deserve nothing less. Thank you for being part of this celebration. Now... Here’s to dancing and jiving and having the time of our lives!
I have a dream… Whose dream was it to bring Mamma Mia! to life? Well, it certainly wasn’t Benny and Björn’s, the two men behind the music of ABBA. In 1982 they had made the decision to not continue with the band and had started turning their heads towards writing a musical with Tim Rice, the lyricist for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and EVITA. Enter the leading lady in this story, Judy Cramer. She had begun working with Tim Rice as his production assistant and was working through a lot of the major tasks on bringing CHESS, a musical he was writing with Benny and Björn and because they were all spending a great deal of their working existence around each other she started to immerse herself in the music of ABBA, becoming obsessed with their catalogue. She started talking to Björn directly, saying; “I think that there’s a story to be told from the lyrics of ‘The Winner Takes It All’. I’d already dissected the ABBA songs and I knew that ‘Honey, Honey’ or ‘Take A Chance On Me’ could be funny even though they weren’t written as comedy song. But, I would never have wanted to write the show myself. It’s all part of my love of steering something from behind the scenes. I worked with a number of writers on different ideas but they were never quite right, and Björn knew they weren’t right” says Judy Cramer. Judy settled on a writer, who had mostly done TV writing, Catherine Johnson and so they started piecing together a show with the working title ‘Summer Night City’. Through the process, songs like ‘Fernando’, ‘Rock Me’ ‘I Wonder’ and an unreleased ABBA track, ‘Just Like That’ were all in the mix of titles of songs to be used. But, as things go in theatre they were all let go. Eventually it came to light that the title should be Mamma Mia! In fact, ‘Summer Night City’ stayed as the opening number all through the workshops and into the 3rd preview in London, before being chopped! Now with the show hurtling towards the London stage the creative team had developed it’s own creative team of Dynamos in Judy Cramer (producer), Catherine Johnson (writer) and Phyllida Lloyd (director). Was it a purposeful decision or was it a joyful accident? “I am delighted that MAMMA MIA!’s success was the result of an unprecedented collaboration of three women, but there was no discrimination of men intended.”, Cramer says. There is a wonderful symmetry that the onstage relationships of three best friends - Donna and the Dynamos - replicates the women behind the creation of the show. “We all see ourselves as those three women on the stage, because Catherine is the slightly chaotic single mom, I’m the high-maintenance one, and the pragmatic one is Phyllida.” The London production opened at the Prince Edward Theatre on April 6, 1999 and transferred to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004 and then to the Novello Theatre in 2012 where it is still playing 20 years on. The Australian production was the third production to open worldwide, on June 9, 2001, at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre. Anne Wood starred as Donna Sheridan, with Rhonda Burchmore as Tanya, Lara Mulcahy as Rosie, Natalie O’Donnell as Sophie, Nicholas Eadie as Sam, Robert Grubb as Harry, and Peter Hardy as Bill. The first Australian tour lasted for four and a half years, with Silvie Paladino, Kellie Rode, Sun Park, David Harris, Simon Gleason, Esther Hannaford, and Bobby Fox appearing as replacement cast members. A 10th-anniversary production began in 2010, with many of the original cast returning to their roles again. A brandnew production has since played two seasons across Australia, with the first one starring the original Sophie Sheridan, Natalie O’Donnell, as Donna Sheridan, and then a second tour starring Elise McCann. The show makes no apologies for embracing the world of pop music and fusing it with the medium of musical theatre. If you think back to the 1930s and 1940s, the popular music of that time came from the world of musicals — both Broadway and Hollywood movie musicals. Through the coming decades, pop music became its own entity, and the two mediums separated. MAMMA MIA! attempts to bridge that gap once again; it reintroduces the The world’s most loved musical
familiarity of a pop idiom with songs that people are familiar with, cherish, grew up listening to, and love. This naturally brings an entirely new generation to the theatre. Not content with having conquered several countries and becoming a global musical theatre success, it was time to challenge another medium and garner an entirely new audience — film. The three real-life Dynamos reformed, reprising their original roles as producer, director, and writer, and brought the show to the big screen. When it premiered in 2008, it made history as the highest-grossing movie of all time in the UK and Ireland and the highest-grossing musical film of all time. The film starred Meryl Streep as Donna Sheridan, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, and Amanda Seyfried. With a second film starring the same cast, with the fabulous addition of Cher as Donna’s mother, Ruby, opened in cinemas in July 2018. Just of late, there have been strong rumours that the real-life Dynamos (Judy, Phyllida & Catherine) are hard at work trying to find a way to make Mamma Mia 3 work on film as the final part of the trilogy. There’s still a plethora of material that hasn’t been used yet in the films so far, such as Under Attack, Ring Ring, Tiger, I Wonder, and also material from the latest release from ABBA back in 2021: VOYAGE, which produced the hits “Don’t Shut Me Down” and “I Still Have Faith In You.” MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 70 MILLION PEOPLE worldwide in 50 productions in 16 different languages. MAMMA MIA! has grossed over 9 billion dollars at the Box Office. MAMMA MIA! has premiered in more than 440 major cities worldwide - faster than any other musical in history. MAMMA MIA! is currently in its 26th year since the first production opened in London’s West End on 6 April 1999, and is now playing at the Novello Theatre. MAMMA MIA! is the ninth longest running show in Broadway history, where it ran from 2001 – 2015 and recently has just opened again at the Winter Garden Theatre, New York. Since its premiere, MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 10 million people and has played over 9500 performances in London. The MAMMA MIA! Original Cast Recording is consistently in the Billboard Catalogue Charts. The MAMMA MIA! Special Edition Cast Recording has gone Double Platinum in several territories around the world. On its release, it was the highest grossing musical film worldwide and was the No.1 musical of all time in 44 countries. To date, there are nine cast recordings worldwide. All of ABBA’s hits can be listened to in German, Dutch, Spanish, Swedish, Korean, French, Russian, Polish, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Icelandic and Chinese. Some quick facts
BENNY ANDERSSON Born 16 December 1946 in Stockholm. 1952 Received accordion lessons from his father and grandfather. 1964 - 68 Member of the Hep Stars, Sweden’s most popular rock band in the 1960’s. During this time, he began composing music. “Sunny Girl” and “Wedding” were huge hits for the Hep Stars. 1972 - 82 ABBA. 1982 - 84 Composed the music (together with Björn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice) for the musical, CHESS. 1987 Began collaborating with Orsa Spelmän. Recorded three albums deeply rooted in Swedish folk music: Klinga Mina Klockor, November 1989 and Fiolen Min. In 2001, this collaboration led to the formation of Benny Andersson’s Orchestra, a 16-man constellation with vocalists, Helen Sjöholm and Tommy Körberg. Thus far, this has resulted in seven CD albums and several summer tours. 1990 - 95 Composed the music to KRISTINA FRÅN DUVEMÅLA. Premiered in October 1995. 1995 Received the title of professor from the Swedish government. Inducted into the Royal Swedish Academy of Music in 2007. Appointed Honorary Doctor of the College of Humanities at Stockholm University in 2008. Benny Andersson is married to former TV producer, Mona Nörklit. They have one child, Ludvig Andersson. Benny Andersson also has two children from a previous marriage, Peter Grönvall and Helene Odedal. He has five grandchildren: Charlie, Felix, Fabian, Malin and Viola. BJÖRN ULVAEUS Björn Kristian Ulvaeus was born in Gothenburg on April 25, 1945. When he was six years old the family moved to the small town of Västervik, and this is where Björn grew up. In the mid-Fifties Björn fell in love with rock’n’roll and skiffle. By the early Sixties he was a member of a folk group called the West Bay Singers. In 1963 they entered a talent contest arranged by Swedish radio. This led to discovery by songwriter and publisher Stig Anderson and his partner, Bengt Bernhag. Stig and Bengt had recently started a record company called Polar Music. The band acquired a new name, the Hootenanny Singers, and quickly became one of Sweden’s most popular groups of the Sixties. In 1966, Björn had a chance meeting with Benny Andersson, himself a member of Swedens number one pop group, The Hep Stars. They hit it off and wrote their first song together, ‘Isn’t It Easy To Say’. Björn recorded a couple of solo singles in the late Sixties, at which point he also started concentrating more on his collaboration with Benny Andersson. In 1970 the pair started releasing records as a duo and also staged a cabaret show together with their fiancées, Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. On July 6, 1971, Björn and Agnetha got married. From 1972 and a decade onwards Björn was occupied by his work with ABBA. In 1983 Björn and Benny started writing the musical CHESS with lyricist Tim Rice. A concept album was released in the autumn of 1984, and in May 1986 the musical opened in London’s West End. In 1988 CHESS received its Broadway première. A reworked version of the musical opened in Stockholm, Sweden in 2002. By 1990, Björn and Benny had decided to write a new musical. This time they wanted to write exclusively in Swedish, and they chose the Emigrants novel series by author Vilhelm Moberg as basis for their work. The musical KRISTINA FRÅN DUVEMÅLA (Kristina From Duvemåla) opened in October 1995. The show ran for three and a half years at various theatres in the Swedish cities of Malmö, Gothenburg and Stockholm. Björn and Benny’s most recent musical is HJÄLP SÖKES (Help Wanted), a collaboration with playwright Kristina Lugn and Kristina director Lars Rudolfsson. Björn writes many of the lyrics for the Benny Andersson Orchestra, and has involved himself in the stagings of MAMMA MIA!, as well as the 2008 movie version. Björn is one of the producers for MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY, which opened in Stockholm in January 2016.
JUDY CRAYMER ORIGINAL PRODUCER Judy Craymer graduated from the Guildhall School of Music in 1977 and has since worked extensively in the theatre, film, television and music industries. Judy originated the idea of MAMMA MIA! and, in 1996, formed Littlestar Services Limited with Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Richard East to produce the stage musical in London. Since then, she has produced 50 productions of MAMMA MIA! in 16 languages around the world. In 2002, Judy was presented with a Woman of the Year Award in recognition of her international success with MAMMA MIA! In the Queen’s birthday honours list of 2007, she was honoured with an MBE for her contribution to the music industry. In 2008, Judy produced MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE, starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan. That same year, she was honoured with the Women in Film ITV Achievement of the Year Award. MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE also garnered Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations, and Judy was personally nominated by BAFTA for the Carl Foreman Award for Special Achievement. In 2010, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation presented Judy with its Humanitarian Award for her commitment to raising breast cancer awareness and research funding around the globe with MAMMA MIA! and through the sale of the specially created Rock Chick Supremo T-shirts. Ten years after MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE grossed more than $600 million around the world, Judy produced an all-new movie musical based on the songs of ABBA for Universal Pictures. MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, written and directed by Ol Parker, and featuring Cher, Andy Garcia and Lily James alongside the returning cast of the original movie, was released in July 2018. Judy has a passion for all things equestrian and is an Ambassador to British Show jumping. Judy also produced VIVA FOREVER!, an original musical based on the songs of The Spice Girls. Judy was awarded a CBE on the Queen’s Birthday honours list in 2020 for her services to theatre and charity. From September 2021 to January 2023 Judy served as Chairman of the Board and Independent Non-Executive Director of Universal Music Group. In 2022 she was honoured with the Variety Club Silver Heart Award for Outstanding Global Achievement in Cinema, Theatre and Music. In 2023, Judy was co-executive producer and appeared in the ITV entertainment show MAMMA MIA! I HAVE A DREAM produced by Thames (a Fremantle label) and Littlestar. On 6 April 2024, MAMMA MIA! celebrated its 25th year in London’s West End. MAMMA MIA! is one of only three musicals to have run for over 25 years in the West End. CATHERINE JOHNSON BOOK Theatre: RAG DOLL; RENEGADES; SUSPENSION (Bristol Old Vic); TOO MUCH TOO YOUNG (Bristol Old Vic and London Bubble); BOYS MEAN BUSINESS; DEAD SHEEP; LITTLE BABY NOTHING (Bush Theatre, London); SHANG-A-LANG (Bush Theatre and national tour) and MAMMA MIA! (worldwide). THROUGH THE WIRE, a musical for NT/Shell Connections. Television: CASUALTY; BYKER GROVE; LOVE HURTS; GOLD; LINDA GREEN. Original screenplays - RAG DOLL and WHERE’S WILLY? (HTV) and SIN BIN (BBC), series LOVE IN THE 21ST CENTURY (Channel 4), DAPPERS (BBC3). Awards: Catherine has won the Bristol Old Vic/HTV Playwrighting Award, Thames Television’s Writer-in-Residence Award and Thames Television’s Best Play Award and was nominated in 2002 for a Tony Award for Best Musical Book for MAMMA MIA! Film: Catherine has written the screenplay for the MAMMA MIA! movie released July 2008.
CREATIVE ERIN JAMES DIRECTOR Erin James, born and raised in Lake Macquarie, graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre. She has spent over two decades working in the professional arts and music theatre industry. Erin’s directing credits include MAMMA MIA!, CHESS featuring Silvie Paladino and David Harris, and SUPERSTARS with Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, Chloe Zuel and Joshua Robson. As Director in Residence at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, she has directed productions such as CABARET, LES MISERABLES, ON THE TOWN, and ALICE BY HEART. Her extensive performance career spans Australia and internationally, including New York and Europe. She starred in the leading role of WELCOME TO YOUR NEW LIFE at the State Theatre Company of South Australia. Erin made her Hayes Theatre Co directorial debut with SHE LOVES ME, and has held roles such as Assistant Director, Associate Director, and Resident Director on various notable productions, including THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA national tour (2022-23) and HADESTOWN audition tour (2024). Her performance highlights include FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, CATS, LOVE NEVER DIES, SOUTH PACIFIC, and MY FAIR LADY. Erin earned Best Supporting Actress nominations for the film THE LITTLE DEATH and appeared in the short film MY BEST FRIEND IS STUCK ON THE CEILING. Currently, Erin is Head of Music Theatre at the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium, overseeing the Bachelor of Music Theatre program. She lectures in core subjects, holds a Graduate Diploma of Education (Music), is a NAATI-accredited Auslan interpreter, and is training in Intimacy Coordination. Erin is a proud member of Actor’s Equity. Dan Wilson ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR Dan is currently the Head Teacher of Creative & Performing Arts at Lambton High School. For 24 years he has either been the Creative, Vocal or Musical Director and Conductor of STARSTRUCK at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, for which he was nominated for the Telstra ARIA Award for Music Teacher of the year. He has also conducted productions of MARY POPPINS, BILLY ELLIOT, JERSEY BOYS, CHESS IN CONCERT, MAMMA MIA!, SCHOOL OF ROCK, ROCK OF AGES, THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, INTO THE WOODS, DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, OLIVER, GREASE, ANNIE, WUTHERING HEIGHTS and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. In Sydney, he has played in the orchestra for the original Australian productions of DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, WICKED, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and DISNEY’S THE LION KING and SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM starring West End star Ruthie Henshall. He was the Music Producer and Associate to John Foreman for the Special Olympics Opening Ceremony broadcast nationally on Channel Nine. As an arranger, he has provided arrangements for Silvie Paladino, Marina Prior, Emma Pask, Debora Krizak, Lucy Durack, Debra Byrne, Avagail Herman the Hunter Singers and the casts of WICKED and LOVE NEVER DIES. Dan has also been Musical Director for The Rumour’s YOU OUGHTA KNOW: THE SONGS OF ALANIS MORISSETTE, IN THE AIR TONIGHT: A NIGHT OF PHIL COLLINS and B & B: A NIGHT OF BENNY AND BJÖRN, starring Silvie Paladino and most recently SUPERSTARS: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION LIVE IN CONCERT starring Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, Joshua Robson and Chloé Zuel. Dan is the resident Musical Director for The Very Popular Theatre Company. Rachel Stark CHOREOGRAPHER Rachel is the Assistant Principal and Performing Arts Coordinator at the Hunter School of the Performing Arts. With over two decades of leadership, Rachel has led teams for the Department of Education’s STARSTRUCK and directed many largescale segments for the NSW SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR at Qudos Arena. Her expertise extends to events like The Tasman Games, World Skills Australia, and the Australian Youth Olympics. Rachel’s theatrical credits include acclaimed productions like ROCK OF AGES, THE WEDDING SINGER, CARRIE THE MUSICAL, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, URINETOWN, DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, SHREK JR, THE WIZARD OF OZ, DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR, THE LION KING JR, THE LITTLE MERMAID JR, LEGALLY BLONDE, and MOANA JR. For the Very Popular Theatre Company she has worked on CHESS, MAMMA MIA!, JERSEY BOYS and MARY POPPINS. Her work has earned numerous CONDA nominations, including costume design and directing, and winning for excellence in Choreography for MAMMA MIA!, LEGALLY BLONDE and MARY POPPINS.
E TEAM JOSH McINTOSH SET DESIGNER Josh is an award-winning Production Designer for theatre, opera, musical theatre, dance and festivals. Based in Brisbane, Josh regularly designs for many companies, including Shake & Stir, Queensland Ballet, Opera Queensland, Strut’n’Fret, Broad Encounters, Flipside Circus, Playlab and loves designing for companies in regional Australia, including Crossroad Arts in Mackay, Empire Theatre in Toowoomba, Jute Theatre in Cairns and White Rabbit Theatre and ARC Circus, both based at the Gold Coast. Recent productions include ELF for Sydney Opera House and John Frost, Shake & Stir’s 1984, FRANKENSTEIN, GRIMM, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, Qld Ballet’s THE LITTLE MERMAID and PETER AND THE WOLF. In the realm of Festival Site Design, Josh is Site Designer for Brisbane Festival and for the return of QPAC’s Out of the Box children’s theatre festival in 2025. Josh has received a Gold Matilda Award in 2011 for his Body of Work and Silver Matilda Awards in 2015, 2017, 2018 & 2019. LAINEY DONNELLY COSTUME DESIGNER Lainey Donnelly is an acclaimed costume designer for film, television and stage. Lainey works across all genres and is a skilled and creative designer whose devotion to storytelling, sartorial exploration, and character examination propel her in her design work. Telling a great story is intrinsic to Lainey, real or imagined. It’s become a vital aspect to how she works. Ideas, which were once words, take a tangible form in costumes for all to see. It’s about a keen eye and expert vision, which sees artistic creative potential in all things and the process of transformation and refinement, hoping her craft is never compromised. To influence perception is a powerful responsibility, critical to this is to care about each project, about the story that needs to be told and that they’re executed with exceptional polish, allowing all these elements to shine. CHRISTOPHER SNAPE LIGHTING DESIGNER With over 25 years of global experience, Christopher Snape is a renowned concert and theatrical lighting designer who knows how to transform a show into a spectacular extravaganza. He understands that great lighting sets the mood, enhances performances, and creates unforgettable experiences for audiences worldwide. Christopher’s expertise lies in crafting immersive lighting designs that transport audiences into mesmerizing worlds of imagination. Whether it’s a concert, musical, or tour, Christopher’s designs add depth and emotion to every moment, leaving a lasting impression on spectators. Christopher last worked with The Very Popular Theatre Company on his CONDA winning design for SUPERSTARS: THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER AND TIM RICE. JACOB HARWOOD SOUND DESIGNER Jacob is Newcastle’s favourite production designer. He does all the big stuff like SCHOOL OF ROCK, BILLY ELLIOT, CHESS - THE MUSICAL, JERSEY BOYS, MAMMA MIA, ROCK OF AGES, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, OLIVER, STRICTLY BALLROOM, HAIRSPRAY, MARY POPPINS, WICKED, SHREK!, DISNEY’S ALADDIN JR., RENT and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. He is a versatile designer, also having designed small scale plays at the Civic Playhouse, including The Very Popular Theatre Company’s ENDGAME. Jacob is a multi-CONDA Award winning lighting and sound designer. He has many other areas of expertise in the technical arena and has also spent time filling the role of Technical Manager at the Civic Theatre.
RILEY O’ROURKE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Rylee has over a decade’s worth of experience in the performing arts and holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education (Drama). In 2019, in partnership with the University of Kingston Rylee spent a month in London working with industry professionals at the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company and on the West End to develop skills in producing, acting, directing and design. In 2022, she was offered a place in Belvior Theatre Company’s prestigious FirstClass Education Program where she spent a year working with the company and creatives to promote theatre and the arts across NSW schools. Throughout the years she has also actively worked in the Newcastle Theatre Industry as a producer, director, actor and stage manager. Most notably as the Co-Founder of ‘All’s One Theatre Company’ and Associate Producer at ‘Knock and Run Theatre’. Some of her other credits include Directing PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, Assistant Directing A DOLL’S HOUSE, Assistant Directing the Australian Premier of THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, Assistant Directing BILLY ELLIOT and Directing C*CKHEAD. Currently Rylee is a creative and performing arts educator with the Catholic Schools where she both teaches in school and works as a tutor, programmer, writer and director for ASPIRE. KATE HANNA ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER Kate grew up dancing in the Hunter region from a young age and has carried that love of movement into her career as a Primary and Dance Teacher at the Hunter School of the Performing Arts. She is passionate about choreography and sharing the joy of performance with the next generation of young dancers and audiences. Kate has a particular love of Musical Theatre choreography, blending character, musicality, and narrative into memorable performances. Most recently, Kate was the Dance Director for MOANA JR. at HSPA, with her work earning a CONDA nomination for excellence in choreography. She has also choreographed for the Department of Education’s STARSTRUCK and created successful works for the STATE DANCE FESTIVAL, recognised for their strong intent and expressive storytelling. Thrilled to be working alongside Rachel Stark as Assistant Choreographer, Kate is excited to bring her experience to MAMMA MIA! and to contribute to the energy, storytelling, and sheer fun of this production. ELESE MURRAY STAGE MANAGER Elese Murray has been an active member of the Newcastle theatre community for nearly 20 years. After earning her Advanced Diploma of Technical Production/ Live Events in 2007, Elese has taken on various technical roles across both theatre and corporate events. Her dedication and expertise have earned her multiple CONDA nominations for Excellence in Lighting for her outstanding work with Stooged Theatre. Elese is also deeply committed to arts education and works as a Primary School and Drama Teacher. MARY POPPINS marks her sixth time stage managing with The Very Popular Theatre Company, following her recent role as Stage Manager for SUPERSTARS: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION LIVE IN CONCERT earlier this year.
LUKE ASPINALL ASSOCIATE PRODUCER (COMPANY MANAGER) Luke has been performing most of his life, starting at the age of 6 with dance classes through to graduating from Newcastle University with a Bachelor of Arts as a Theatre major. More recently, he has performed on the Civic Theatre stage in productions of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT in 2021 and SHREK in 2022 as Donkey as well as further afield in CLOC’s 2019 production of MAMMA MIA! in Melbourne. Most recently he performed in the acclaimed production of MARY POPPINS in 2024 with The Very Popular Theatre Company as Mr Northbrook. Directing has always been a second love for Luke, having directed ANASTASIA and WICKED for Newcastle Grammar School, the latter winning Luke his first CONDA for Best Director of a Musical in 2021, as well as Best Production by a Youth Theatre Company or School. Luke has recently joined the team at Stoddart Entertainment Group and is enjoying the behind the curtains look at the mechanics of making a production come to life. HAYLEY STODDART ASSOCIATE PRODUCER (PRODUCTION MANAGER) Hayley grew up dancing in the Newcastle area and eventually teaching for over 10 years. It was this experience that saw her co-found the Musical Theatre courses here at Hunter Drama. Her theatre credits include City of Newcastle Drama nominations for Choreography for the productions BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR. and ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR., both for Hunter Region. Hayley performed in MARY POPPINS for Metropolitan Players in 2015. Hayley has been involved in most of The Very Popular Theatre Company’s shows, preferably backstage, on the set team or completing production management. Her motto is “The secret of all victory lies in the organisation of the non-obvious” and does all those jobs no one would ever think about for each and every production! Hayley originally studied and attained a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and spent many years, until 2019, working for NSW Health before transitioning to work in the arts sector full-time. She is also our resident safety guru as she has a Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety! RACHEL MILLARD MAKE UP DESIGN Rachel has had the privilege of being involved in the Newcastle Theatre scene for the last 16 years. She has been on the make-up team for RENT, ROCK OF AGES, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, FANTASTIC MR. FOX, HAIRSPRAY, MARY POPPINS, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and WICKED. As Make-up Designer, Rachel’s credits over the last five years include SEUSSICAL, OLIVER, LES MISERABLES, WE WILL ROCK YOU, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PRISCILLA: QUEEN OF THE DESERT, SHREK, JERSEY BOYS and BILLY ELLIOT.
Sophie Sheridan Ali Lisa Tanya Rosie Donna Sky Pepper Eddie Harry Bright Bill Austin Sam Carmichael cast orchestra CONDUCTED BY DAN WILSON IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE understudies Sophie Sheridan Ali Lisa Sky Pepper Eddie Harry Bright Bill Austin Sam Carmichael Donna Sheridan Tanya BREE BENNETT INDIA JAZZ OLIVIA LEATHEY ANGUS JEWELL WADE NEILSEN BILL PARY TIM NEVE MATT EDWARDS DANIEL STODDART LOUISE BUTLER RACHEL PARISH DAN WILSON ERIN SWEETMAN DAMIEN CLIFT ALEX McCANN BENJAMIN McCANN CHRISTOPHER TURNER JARROD GIBSON GAVIN HODGE DAVID TRACY Keyboard 1 Keyboard 2 Keyboard 3 Keyboard 4 Guitar 1 Guitar 2 Bass Guitar Drum Kit Percussion IMOGEN BAMBACK RACHEL SEBASTIAN IMOGEN DOWNING-DONNELLY BECKY McLELLAN ALICIA PATERSON ERIN CORNELL BENJAMIN DARE LUCAS MILLINGTON PATRICK HOWLETT NICK STABLER DANNY FOLPP MATT EDWARDS BREE BENNETT CASSIDY CLARKE MICHAEL CONRY AMBER CURBY INDIA JAZZ ANGUS JEWELL OLIVIA LEATHEY PHILLIP LYTTLETON BROOKE McBRIDE LUCY MURRY WADE NEILSEN TIM NEVE BILL PARRY KAITLYN PRIEST KAHLI SAUNDERS HANNAH SMITH LUCAS STACE JACK TING SIM MING
MUSICAL NUMBERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER) Chiquitita Dancing Queen Does Your Mother Know? Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie Honey, Honey I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do I Have A Dream Knowing Me, Knowing You Lay All Your Love On Me Mamma Mia Money, Money, Money One Of Us S.O.S. Our Last Summer Slipping Through My Fingers Super Trooper Take A Chance On Me Thank You For The Music The Name Of The Game The Winner Takes It All Under Attack Voulez-Vous
cast Erin Cornell AS DONNA SHERIDAN Erin Cornell graduated from The Victorian College of the Arts in Music Theatre on a Whitehorse Arts Council Scholarship. Since graduating, her music theatre roles have included Grizabella in CATS (Australasian Tour), Elphaba in WICKED (Osaka, Japan), Scrubber in Eddie Perfect’s SHANE WARNE THE MUSICAL (Melbourne International Comedy Festival), Mona in A CLASS ACT (London) and Fantine in LES MISÉRABLES. While performing in LES MISÉRABLES Erin simultaneously released her debut covers album ERIN CORNELL- SPIRIT OF THE DEVA, available to stream. Erin has appeared on THE VOICE AUSTRALIA (Team Delta), was lead vocalist with THE QUEEN SYMPHONIC ARENA SPECTACULAR (Japan Tour), lead vocalist in ROCK RHAPSODY - WEST END STARS SING QUEEN (European tour) and has performed AN EVENING WITH ERIN CORNELL and The SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (Singapore). Erin’s television credits include NEIGHBOURS, GMA, BEFORE THE GAME (Network 10), RACE RELATIONS, LOWDOWN (ABC) and MORNINGS WITH KERRI-ANNE (9 Network). Erin has also performed with theatre legends such as Dame Edna Everage, John Bucchino, Lance Horne and Jason Robert Brown. Erin is also a singer-songwriter of Celtic/Folk/World Music under the artist name of Èirinn. Last year she took part in The Producers Camp Program at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in the UK. Her first track was released by Real World Records called Manannán now available to stream. Erin is currently travelling frequently back and forth from Real World Studios this year finishing her original album.
IMOGEN BAMBACK SOPHIE SHERIDAN Imogen is a 20-year-old performer with a passion for musical theatre. She has appeared in numerous Hunter Drama productions, including starring as Peter Pan in PETER PAN JR. Most recently, she performed in MARY POPPINS and BILLY ELLIOT with The Very Popular Theatre Company. Imogen is thrilled to work with The Very Popular Theatre Company again in MAMMA MIA! ALICIA PATTERSON ROSIE Alicia has performed as a vocalist since she was 10 and has grown to become one of Newcastle’s most beloved performers. As a chorister she travelled nationally and internationally, as a soloist she has fronted cover bands and is a founding member of the acapella vocal quartet Bella Voce. Alicia studied voice at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music and completed a Bachelor of Music before beginning a career as a performing arts educator. At 20, Alicia was introduced to the world of theatre. Her first show was JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. She has also played the role of Eponine in LES MISÉRABLES, winning a CONDA for Best Lead Actress in a Musical, CABARET, Donna Sue in GREASE, Sergeant Sally Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS, Belle in DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; Annabelle Glick in LUCKY STIFF winning a CONDA for Best Lead Actress in a Musical, Mrs Darling in PETER PAN, BINGO - THE MUSICAL, Mary Magdalene in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and more recently Nancy in OLIVER!, Billy Elliot’s mother in BILLY ELLIOT and Vocal Director of SCHOOL OF ROCK. BECKY McLENNAN TANYA Bec Kynaston is a seasoned and celebrated performer whose talent has graced stages across a wide array of productions. From her standout performances as Morticia in THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL, Scaramouche in WE WILL ROCK YOU and Sherrie in ROCK OF AGES, to memorable roles in RENT, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SHE LOVES ME, TWO POINT OH, AIRNESS and COMPANY. Bec’s dedication to her craft has earned her acclaim, including a CONDA award for Best Female Actor in a Musical in 2015. Her contributions to the stage have garnered further recognition, with nominations for the same award in 2018 and 2019. Jukebox musicals are her jam, and Bec is ready to Dance, Jive and have the time of her life as “Tanya” in MAMMA MIA! 2025!
MATT EDWARDS SAM CARMICHAEL Matt Edwards is a graduate of WAAPA (Music Theatre) and has performed professionally across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. His credits include CATS (The Really Useful Company), MY FAIR LADY (Opera Australia), SCOOBY DOO LIVE! (Life Like Touring), Tokyo Disneyland, and as lead vocalist aboard P&O’s Pacific Dawn. He appeared in the 2017–18 professional Australian tour of MAMMA MIA! the Musical, and is delighted to return to the show. Through his company, Emptyhead Digital, Matt also collaborates with leading producers and arts organisations to create websites and digital experiences for major theatrical productions and cultural institutions. NICK STABLER HARRY BRIGHT Nick is delighted to be reprising the role of Harry “Headbanger” Bright in this vibrant production of MAMMA MIA! ABBA music has been bouncing around his head since he was a kid (thanks to his mum), and he still finds the classic songs a joy to perform. Nick brings a wealth of experience to the stage, with past credits including Hertz in ROCK OF AGES, Benny in RENT, Billy Flynn in CHICAGO, Perchik in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and Chris in MISS SAIGON. Harry may not headbang like he used to, but Nick promises to bring plenty of heart, humour, and slightly awkward dancing to the stage. DANNY FOLPP BILL AUSTIN Danny has been performing on stage for the last 15 years. Studying at the Australian Institute of Music (Musical Theatre) with industry professionals, he grasped the absolute desire to continue his pursuit on stage and as a creative. Most recent performances include the title role in SHREK, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT and The Beast in BEAUTY & THE BEAST, CHESS, the Dad in BILLY ELLIOT, COMPANY, CHICAGO and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Danny featured in The Very Popular Theatre Company’s SUPERSTARS at the Civic Theatre, Newcastle. Recent directing credits include ALADDIN JR, ANNIE, LEGALLY BLONDE, 12 ANGRY MEN, JERRY’S GIRLS and SHREK JR. Danny is the founder of What Theatre Company. Built for budding performers of all ages to hone their craft in performing arts. BENJAMIN DARE SKY Benjamin’s love and admiration for the theatre began at age 7 watching the 2011 production of MARY POPPINS in Sydney, and ever since has loved performing and transporting audiences to new realities and worlds through theatre. Ben first performed productions of ANNIE JR. and THE LITTLE MERMAID JR, STRICTLY BALLROOM and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: ON STAGE! as Ryan in 2021. Ben proudly played Oscar in SWEET CHARITY in 2020, as well as performed in GOOD KING WENCESLAS in 2021 and 2022. Ben has undertaken intensive musical theatre development classes with Hunter Drama and High Street Productions, which helped him immensely to build his confidence and capability. Last year, he was proud to perform in The Very Popular Theatre Company’s MARY POPPINS and cannot wait to transport new audiences into the magic of theatre.
PATRICK HOWLETT EDDIE Patrick has shown an enthusiasm and love for everything performing since his first primary school talent show. His love for the stage landed him into ASPIRE, the Catholic Schools creative arts program which he performed in for 7 years in the drama ensemble and later interned for them further developing both his love and understanding for the craft. Since leaving school his love for theatre hasn’t dwindled performing in BILLY ELLIOT, MARY POPPINS, SCHOOL OF ROCK and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. Patrick is stoked to get the opportunity to perform such an iconic show with an unforgettable soundtrack! RACHAEL SEBASTIAN ALI Rachael began her Newcastle musical theatre journey in 2022 with UON Musos’ production of TWISTED as the Princess Swing and Ensemble. She has also played Pilar in LEGALLY BLONDE and performed as a featured vocalist and dancer in the 2024 revue MUSICAL CHAIRS and as a vocalist at the 2023 CONDA Awards. Offstage, Rachael was Vocal Director for the productions of INTO THE WOODS and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. She is also the lead vocalist for the jazz-funk band Mood Watch, performing at local events. Beyond theatre, Rachael founded Newy JAMZ, a street dance collective where she collaborates with performers in freestyle. Her dance experience includes hip hop, commercial, and heels, showcased in Sydney-based music videos, events, and all-style dance battles. Rachael is excited to bring her skills to MAMMA MIA! IMOGEN DOWNING-DONNELLY LISA Imogen is super keen to perform MAMMA MIA! with The Very Popular Theatre Company this year! Imogen started performing in Newcastle from a young age and has been involved in many productions. She graduated from Hunter School of the performing arts and was a student of Hunter Drama, Newcastle Dance Academy and The Voice Studios. Imogen loved being a part of MARY POPPINS last year and can’t wait to be back on the Civic stage this year! LUCAS MILLINGTON PEPPER Lucas only started his acting journey in 2023 with his role in The Very Popular Theatre Company’s BILLY ELLIOT. Since then he has performed in SCHOOL OF ROCK and MARY POPPINS. Lucas looks forward to breaking out of his police archetype with the role of Pepper!
ensemble BREE BENNETT Bree Bennett is a musical theatre performer, voice teacher, and musician. She received a CONDA Award for Excellence by a Performer in a Leading Role for her standout performance as Veronica Sawyer in HEATHERS. Her stage credits include Megan Jones in PUFFS, Brooke Lohst in BE MORE CHILL and ensemble in PIPPIN. Passionate about both performance and education, Bree continues to thrive on and off the stage—committed to creating meaningful work and helping the next generation of performers find their voice. CASSIDY CLARKE Cassidy is a dancer who is originally from Newcastle/Lake Macquarie and has been dancing since the age of 5 in all styles. In 2020, she commenced training full time in the contemporary course with Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where she studied for the Bachelor of Arts (Dance) and graduated in 2022. Since graduating she has performed with Catapult Choreographic Hub on numerous tours, intensives and developments. Cassidy is also teaching various dance styles at local dance studios in the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie region. MAMMA MIA! will be Cassidy’s first musical and she is extremely excited to be a part of this production. AMBER CURBY With credits to her name for stage, screen, acting, dancing, singing, writing and directing, Amber has over 20 years of performing experience. After studying and travelling overseas, Amber has landed on her feet in Newcastle where she has been immersing herself in theatre for the past few years starting in 2021 with PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, CHICAGO, SHREK, DISENCHANTED, in LEGALLY BLONDE as Paulette, and The Very Popular Theatre Company’s BILLY ELLIOT where Amber showed off her talent as understudy for Mrs Wilkinson. 2024 saw her performing in the musical CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, SCHOOL OF ROCK and CARRIE as Ms Gardner. Amber is thrilled to be part of the ensemble and is looking forward to getting her Dancing Queen on in MAMMA MIA! MICHAEL CONRY Michael has been dancing on the stage since he was 3 years old. His debut in musical theatre was in 2013, with HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, presented by Hunter School of Performing Arts. Since then, he has competed in and taught tap and ballet in Newcastle and Sydney. He has starred in previous shows with The Very Popular Theatre Company, such as JERSEY BOYS in 2022, BILLY ELLIOT in 2023 and SUPERSTARS: THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER AND TIM RICE in 2024. Michael is eager to let loose on the Civic Theatre stage this year is MAMMA MIA! INDIA JAZZ India Jazz is a professional vocalist and performer from Newcastle, Australia. She made her start at Hunter School of the Performing Arts with majors in dance and music, and for the last 10 years she has been performing as an original artist. India completed her Bachelor of Music Degree at The University of Newcastle Conservatorium in 2021, earning a College Medal in Human and Social Futures and now works privately as a vocal coach. Stepping into the musical theatre world, India made her debut performance in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN in 2024.
BROOKE McBRIDE While MAMMA MIA! is Brooke’s first production, she is certainly no stranger to the stage. Starting ballet at the age of 4 years old, Brooke instantly fell in love with dance and now has 19 years of experience in various styles. Brooke attended Hunter School of Performing Arts for her high school years and then continued to train full-time at Brent Street in 2020. During this time, she trained under the guidance of many industry professionals, honed her skill set and gained extensive knowledge of what it means to perform. A dedicated artist, Brooke is passionate about inspiring others through dance and continuously exploring new ways to express her craft. ANGUS JEWELL Angus has been passionate about musical theatre for as long as he can remember. He began his training at the age of five at Renae Perry Tap Studios, where he studied tap dancing. More recently, he completed two years of vocal training under the mentorship of Francene Bell. At St Philips Christian College Waratah, Angus was actively involved in the performing arts, taking on roles such as the Genie in ALADDIN JR., King Triton in THE LITTLE MERMAID, and Lionel in CINDERELLA. Additionally, Angus studied musical theatre at High Street Productions (HSP), where he now works as a tutor. He has performed in many productions with HSP, including MATILDA JR. and the theatrical event GALLERY, where he was also a member of its management team. Angus is thrilled to make his debut with The Very Popular Theatre Company. JOSIE McINTOSH Josie has been dancing for over 16 years, training at Galaxy Talent Academy in Rutherford. She was involved in ALADDIN JR. with Hunter Drama Maitland in 2018 and has been involved in various high school productions. Josie has been featured in the tap and jazz ensembles in STARSTRUCK NEWCASTLE and also performed in the SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR in Sydney as part of the tap ensemble. This is Josie’s first show on the Civic Theatre Stage and her debut with The Very Popular Theatre Company. She can’t wait to put on a spectacular show! LUCY MURRY Lucy has loved performing their whole life. They currently teach and study dance at Hype Dance Hunter Valley. They have furthered their musical theatre education participating in Junior Theatre Festival Australia’s pilot programs, including SISTER ACT JR, MOANA JR and SOMETHING ROTTEN JR. They have also performed in STARSTRUCK and SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR as a featured dancer. Lucy has appeared in various local and school productions as a performer and choreographer, including ALADDIN JR as Iago, OLIVER!, GREASE, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Their most recent production was The Very Popular Theatre Company’s MARY POPPINS, and they are thrilled to be working with them again. PHILLIP LYTTLETON Phillip Lyttleton is a passionate performer with a strong foundation in dance and musical theatre. Starting dance at the age of six, he has developed a deep love for the art form, which has evolved into a thriving career. Phillip has completed a Certificate III in Dance and a Certificate IV in Musical Theatre and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Musical Theatre at Palm Studios. With extensive stage experience, Phillip has performed in numerous productions across the Central Coast and Sydney, including the sell-out THE WIZARD OF OZ. His credits include 13 - THE MUSICAL, ALADDIN JR., LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, KINKY BOOTS, LEGALLY BLONDE and SPONGEBOB - THE MUSICAL. In addition to performing, Phillip has worked as an assistant choreographer and production assistant, gaining valuable insight into the creative and technical aspects of theatre.
BILL PARRY Bill started his love of theatre in a Jr production of ALADDIN with Hunter Drama in Singleton back in 2018. He eventually moved to Newcastle to continue performing in numerous shows with Hunter Drama for a few years from 2018 - 2021. In 2021 he joined the Metropolitan Players in their production of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT and has performed with the Metropolitan Players up to the present year where he recently performed in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. He also recently played Buck in BONNIE AND CLYDE. Bill is very excited to be on stage at the Civic yet again to perform in The Very Popular Theatre Company’s MAMMA MIA! WADE NEILSEN Wade has had a passion for dance since he was 4 years old. He has trained in Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Acro. Wade started acting and singing in 2019 when he made his theatre debut in the Australian National Tour of BILLY ELLIOT - THE MUSICAL playing the role of Billy Elliot. After this, he realised he loved performing in Musical Theatre and has since been in multiple Pro amateur theatre performances including MATILDA JR., OLIVER, THE WEDDING SINGER, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, SHREK, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, SUPERSTARS: LIVE IN CONCERT, and MARY POPPINS. Wade is excited to be performing in MAMMA MIA! KAITLYN PRIEST Kaitlyn is a dancer from Newcastle who began her journey at the age of three, developing a lifelong passion for dance. Her love for movement and performance guided her through a successful dance career. Inspired by both the art of dance and the joy of teaching and choreographing, Kaitlyn pursued a Bachelor of Education, which opened the door to numerous exciting choreographic opportunities. Now, as part of the ensemble for MAMMA MIA!, Kaitlyn is thrilled to bring her passion to the world of musical theatre. She is excited to be part of such a vibrant production, bringing the music and magic of MAMMA MIA! to life on stage. TIM NEVE Tim is thrilled to make his return to the stage, after 28 years. Newcastle raised, he discovered his love of drama at Young People’s Theatre from the age of nine, and studied at the Hunter School of Performing Arts. He was accepted into NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts), Sydney and graduated with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art in Design (Set and Costume for Theatre). Tim is also a multiple CONDA award winner for his professional production designs. But he is most excited to be stepping out from the wings once more for MAMMA MIA!
LUCAS STACE Lucas has grown up in Lake Macquarie and has always had a passion for acting and performance. In 2024, he attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) completing the Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance. An enormous influence on Lucas’ passion for acting comes from being a member of ASPIRE from 2017-2022 performing in, THE HOARDERS NEXT DOOR, DARK MATTER, 365 QUESTIONS ISSUES AND GOOD DEEDS, THE PECKING ORDER, and THE COST OF WISHES. Other theatre credits include: IMPENDING EVERYONE and MR MELANCHOLY. Lucas has a major passion for music. He is the drummer in the local band, Loose Zipperz who are loving playing in front of Novocastrian crowds. He is very excited to be a part of this amazing cast and perform such a fun show! KAHLI SAUNDERS With a dance journey beginning at just 8 years old, she has nurtured her choreography and teaching skills over 15 years, having created and directed Dance For Fun Newcastle, a local drop-in studio. Her formative dance years included performing with the Newcastle Knights Dance Squad, participating in eisteddfods, statewide competitions, and local events, adding a touch of professionalism to her craft. After earning her Bachelor of Education (Honours) from the University of Newcastle in 2018, she sought to fuse her passion for dance and teaching by creating her own studio. This is her first musical production debut, and she is excited to be back on stage in MAMMA MIA! JACK TING SIM MING Jacky is a passionate emerging dancer who began his formal dance journey in early 2024. A lifelong admirer of the performing arts, he grew up immersed in theatre and was entirely selftaught in his early years. Jacky discovered Toprock Studios in 2023, where he has since committed himself to intensive training across a range of dance styles. He currently takes between five and ten classes per week, both locally and in Sydney, as part of his ongoing dedication to technical growth and performance readiness. Jacky is also a member of Toprock Studios’ performance crew and is actively involved in several upcoming projects. MAMMA MIA! marks Jacky’s theatrical debut, and he is thrilled to bring his infectious energy, work ethic, and love for the stage to this production. HANNAH SMITH Hannah fell in love with dance and theatre 18 years ago and has pursued her passion with dedication. She has undergone intensive dance training over the years, refining her skills in various styles and techniques, and has competed successfully in numerous eisteddfods, earning recognition for her dynamic performances. From 2016 to 2020, Hannah was a proud member of the ASPIRE productions as a dancer, where she brought energy and artistry to the stage. In 2024 Hannah was a part of The Very Popular Theatre Company’s production of SUPERSTARS: THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER AND TIM RICE in the dance ensemble, captivating audiences with her powerful stage presence and precision. Over the years, Hannah has embraced every opportunity to grow as a dancer and performer, working with talented creatives and thriving in the spotlight. She is thrilled to return to the stage once again, in MAMMA MIA!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1