Behind the Magic of Mamma Mia!

Here we go again! Mamma Mia! returns to the Civic Theatre Newcastle this October for its 25th anniversary celebrations – and while ABBA’s timeless hits are the heartbeat of the show, it’s the people behind the scenes and centre stage who bring the sparkle to life.

From powerhouse vocals to big laughs and a live band pumping out those iconic riffs, this production is powered by a handful of extraordinary creatives and performers who are ready to give Newcastle the biggest party of the year. Let’s meet a few of them…

A World-Class Creative Team

Directing the production is Erin James, who also helmed our sold-out, award-winning 2019 season of Mamma Mia! Erin brings deep theatrical knowledge and a fresh perspective to the show, ensuring this season feels as vibrant and alive as ever. Since the 2019 production, Erin has developed an impressive portfolio across Australia, from Cabaret to Les Misérables. Her directing credits include Chess starring Silvie Paladino and David Harris, and Superstars with Marina Prior and Chloe Zuel, and she is also Head of Music Theatre at the University of Adelaide.

“The thing I love most about directing Mamma Mia! is the joy it brings to people,” says Erin. “You can feel the audience smiling, laughing, and even singing along and that energy feeds us on stage and makes every performance unforgettable. It’s one giant, joyful party and it holds a special place in my heart.”

Musical direction comes from Dan Wilson, our resident Musical Director and a force in the Hunter region’s performing arts. With decades of experience leading major productions and a background performing with original casts of Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, and The Phantom of the Opera, Dan leads a band of nine musicians faithfully recreating ABBA’s iconic sound.

“I love ABBA and I’ve loved Mamma Mia since I first saw it in the early 2000s at the Lyric Theatre, Sydney and I made a promise to myself that one day I would Musical Direct it, so I fought pretty hard when it became available to position myself in the best way possible to be chosen and here I am doing it again – what a dream,” said Dan. “It’s so fun! Personally I love playing it all. 

“The cast is the biggest difference from the 2019 production. They have a totally new, fresh energy and take on the show. It might look similar in some ways, but this cast are an absolutely knockout!”

Together with producer Daniel Stoddart, this team sets the bar high, creating theatre of a professional standard while nurturing emerging talent from our region.

“Education is at the heart of everything we do,” said Daniel. “We’re committed to empowering emerging creatives, on stage and off. Newcastle doesn’t yet have a professional theatre industry, but we’re working tirelessly to change that. Our region is full of wonderful talent, and while many of them have not yet worked professionally, giving them the chance to be part of a high-quality, professional-standard production is invaluable. These experiences allow them to refine their craft, showcase their talents, and learn what it means to work in a professional rehearsal room and production process. That opportunity to learn, grow, and understand the industry is priceless

Leading the Cast

Taking on the iconic role of Donna is Erin Cornell, whose career includes international turns as Grizabella in Cats, Elphaba in Wicked (Japan), and countless concert performances across Europe and Asia.

“I've always loved Abba Music,” said Erin. “It's feel-good music. Something about it when I hear it, makes me feel like home. It’s nostalgic at the same time and it's ageless. It's incredibly clever writing. A lot of the lyrics hit you right in the heart, at the same time disguised in a pop song. The production quality of the songs is also magic.

“My favourite thing about this show, for me personally is the second act chunk from Donna's joyous scene with Harry, going into the maternal emotions with Sophie and into the climactic moment of release with Sam. It's an actor's dream to ride. My more general favourite thing about the show is that it's joyous. It has heart. A lovely escape, with some wonderful characters, epic timeless music and of course set in my favourite place GREECE!

Joining her is Matt Edwards as Sam, returning to a role he once covered in the 2017–18 Australian tour of Mamma Mia!. A WAAPA graduate whose credits include Cats (The Really Useful Company), My Fair Lady (Opera Australia), and Scooby Doo Live! (Life Like Touring). Matt’s connection to the show runs deep, and his chemistry with Erin Cornell with whom he worked on Cats, gives new life to Donna and Sam’s story.

“The show itself is funny and uplifting, and when you finish with the Megamix and you see the whole audience on their feet singing and dancing, you can't help but leave the theatre every night in a great mood,” said Matt.

They are joined by a stellar cast of 31 performers – from seasoned professionals to some of Newcastle’s most exciting emerging artists – who together create the joyful, infectious energy that makes Mamma Mia! so loved.

A Rare Chance to Celebrate

It’s been six years since we last staged Mamma Mia! in Newcastle, and demand has already seen us add a final performance. With only a limited number of tickets remaining, this is a rare opportunity to experience the world’s favourite feel-good musical right here at home.

So gather your friends, dust off your dancing shoes, and join us for a night of love, laughter, and ABBA’s timeless music. Because at The Very Popular Theatre Company, we don’t just stage musicals – we create moments you’ll never forget.

BOOK NOW.