What’s On previews Mamma Mia in Dubai, at Dubai World Trade Centre from January 2 to 10. Get tickets information for this musical in Dubai.

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Anyone who enjoyed watching Meryl Streep cannonball into the Aegean after a rousing rendition of Dancing Queen in Mamma Mia! (and let’s face it, who didn’t?) can see the smash hit musical that inspired the movie here in Dubai in January.

Abba’s finest tunes will ring out at the Dubai World Trade Centre from January 2 to 10. We spoke to two of the stars of the show ahead of their nine-day run.

NIAMH PERRY plays Sophie, the 20-year-old bride-to-be who’s desperate to identify here father so he can walk her down the aisle.

Mamma Mia! must be such a fun production to be part of. How does it compare to other shows you’ve appeared in?
It’s definitely the most fun I’ve ever had on stage. In my last job I played a young working class mother from Belfast whose husband joined the IRA, so playing Sophie is definitely a more uplifting role.

Which number never fails to get the audience up and on their feet?
At the end of the show we do a little mini concert of some of Abba’s greatest hits. We always have a wonderful response from our audiences. The song Super Trouper always gets a cheer too.

Were you an Abba fan before being cast in the show?
I used to listen to Abba as a child. I went to see the first year of the international tour in Dublin and I fell in love with the show. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to play Sophie in both the West End and the international tour.

Which is your favourite scene in the show?
I love the scene with Sky [Sophie’s fiancé] before we sing Lay All Your Love. It’s fun and flirty, and always feels new and fresh.

Which is your favourite Abba song?
My favourite song that I sing in the show is The Name Of The Game, which is a cool, angsty ballad. My favourite Abba song is The Winner Takes It All – it’s just perfection.

Are there any songs that you’re sick to the back teeth of hearing?
Absolutely not! I don’t think it’s possible to not adore this music. Even if it’s not your favourite style, you can’t deny the beautiful melodies and simple, genius lyrics.

SARA POYZER plays Sophie’s mother, Donna.

How excited were you about wearing an Abba-style jumpsuit for the show?
Really excited, the jumpsuits are amazing. They’re pretty tricky to squeeze into, but I think they’re fantastic – so much work and detail in each one. I do feel like a real rock chick in it.

Which is your favourite song from the show?
I love Waterloo, the whole company is involved and it’s a great song to finish the show with. But The Winner Takes It All is the most challenging and therefore the most rewarding. It’s a beautiful song.

Were you a fan of Abba before you were cast in the stage show?
Absolutely. My dad bought me Abba’s greatest hits on vinyl and I have loved them ever since. They write pop songs that are strong both lyrically and melodically, which is why they’ve stood the test of time.

 

Which is your favourite scene from the show?
I love the energy of Donna’s first scene when her oldest, dearest friends, the Dynamos, arrive. I also enjoy the crazy scene in the bedroom with the Dynamos – lots of fun.

If you weren’t Donna, which character would you like to play?
Probably Tanya. I wouldn’t mind having a go – she’s lots of fun and pretty saucy.

What was your favourite Abba song before you were in the show, and has it changed?
My favourite song is the little known Lovers Live A Little Longer – a really sexy number. But if I’m honest, there aren’t many I don’t like. I really don’t tire of hearing them.

January 2 to 10
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs195. Tel: (04) 4573212. Metro: World Trade Centre. platinumlist.net