Mamma Mia is currently on UK tour. Lucy May Barker is starring as Sophie in the show and I was delighted to ask her a few questions about one of my favourite musicals.
Thanks for talking to Break A Leg, Lucy, how does it feel to be playing a key role in the touring cast of Mamma Mia?
A dream come true. I absolutely love the show and getting to perform it to all the lovely audience around the UK is a feeling like no other.
How familiar were you with the musical and with Abba’s songs?
I grew up listening to Abba and we had the Abba Gold CD in my mum’s car, so I knew almost all the words already when I auditioned which was very handy ha ha!
What is your favourite scene and why?
I love going on for Lay All Your Love, I love singing that number and from then on I don’t leave the stage for the rest of the act which is a total rollercoaster.
Why do you think Mamma Mia is so popular and has stood the test of time?
The music, for sure, but also the story. It’s about real people and is so relatable, even nearly 20 years on.
If you could play a different character in the show, who would it be and why?
Pepper is a great role, and if I played that role it would mean I could dance and do tricks, which I most definitely can’t, haha!
Which Abba song means the most to you?
Thank You For The Music has my favourite lyrics, “without a song or dance what are we?” and that pretty much sums up my life. I love it!
Finally, what would you say to encourage people to book to see the show?
I’m probably biased, but I would say that I think it’s the ultimate feel-good night out at the theatre and my parents have seen it twenty times (and counting!) so that’s got to be a good sign!
Thanks so much for a lovely interview, Lucy – see you next week!
