Amanda Crehan (left), Glenna Armstrong and Ally Hossain from the musical Mamma Mia! which starts at the Theatre Royal this weekend. Photo: Kate Russell.

Mamma Mia! comes to Nelson

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Get ready Nelson – the classic songs of ABBA are coming to town.

Boasting a cast and crew of over 100 locals, Nelson Musical Theatre’s production of Mamma Mia! opens this weekend.

It is the biggest show to come to the Theatre Royal since its redevelopment in 2009.

It is also the first time ever that the worldwide smash-hit musical has been produced and staged in Nelson.

Principal cast member Ally Hossain, who plays the role of Rosie, says the anticipation for the show is starting to build, with the first show kicking off this Sunday.

The musical follows the story of a young woman, Sophie, who invites three of her mother’s former lovers to her wedding hoping to find out which one is her father.

And, it will feature all the hits of ABBA, including Honey Honey, Money, Money Money, Thank You For The Music, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Voulez-Vous and many more.

The show will run over three weeks, until 23 September with 21 shows in total.

Ally says that people can expect a fun night out.

“Of course there will be lots of ABBA, lots of lycra and a lot of laughter,” she says.

“It is such an uplifting show, where you definitely come out feeling good, and we very much hope to replicate that for the people of Nelson.”

“We have been rehearsing four nights a week since the beginning of May, so a lot of time has gone into it – and we have a huge variety of ages in our cast, too.”

The set and costumes started arriving in Nelson last week from the consortium, which Ally says helps to create a high standard for each show.

“It’s all really top quality to maintain that consistency wherever it’s performed around the world.”

Ally says that tickets to the shows are already selling fast, and they have also been giving away free tickets at the Saturday market and to Richmond business owners, who have been affected by the Queen St upgrade.

“Normally Nelson people hold off but we’ve been impressed with the sales – the first week is looking very busy.”

Mamma Mia! runs from September 3 to 23 at the Theatre Royal. Tickets are available from TicketDirect, the Theatre Royal and Richmond Mall.