Few actors can actually realise their dream roles but for two performers in the UK tour of the musical Mamma Mia! which is currently playing at Wales Millennium Centre, their dreams have become a reality.
Lincoln born actress Lucy May Barker who plays Sophie Sheridan in the feel-good musical, made her stage debut in the musical Annie as a child and has since made numerous appearances on television and in west-end stage roles including Sweeney Todd and Spring Awakening. Lucy was a fan of the original stage musical of Mamma Mia! which features the music of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA. Little did Lucy visualise when she would regularly take her dog for walks around the park in Lincoln singing along to ABBA’s Greatest Hits on her CD-Walkman, that one day she would play her dream role on a UK tour.
Lucy May Barker
“The music is the absolute star of the show,” Lucy tells Andy Howells, “while the story itself, for women, is a girl power show. It’s the true definition of a feel-good show, for two and a half hours you can totally forget the less brilliant things that are going on in the world and really enjoy yourself and have a laugh.”
Similarly ensemble cast member Rhodri Watkins who hails from Briton Ferry and has already acquired a varied CV of work in theatre and pantomime before joining the Mamma Mia tour which has enabled him to see the world. The experience of appearing in a long running tour has given the young Welsh performer valuable stage experience.
Rhodri Watkins
“In the finale you’ve got seven minutes of been on stage and you just feel like a rock star.” Says Rhodri, “It’s a fun show, as soon as the overture comes on there’s nostalgia for anyone who knows any ABBA song. My family have been to see it and said as soon as that music starts you get drawn in to it instantly.”
- Mamma Mia! is playing Wales Millennium Centre until November 13.
- To book tickets visit http://www.wmc.org.uk or call 029 2063 6464.