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JESSICA KRAMER
Here we go again
Pictured clockwise from top left: Sophie Volp is playing Sophie, Diana Holt is playing Donna, and James Taylor is playing Sky
Style magazine sat down for a chat with some of the cast members for the Empire Theatre’s main production for 2020: Mamma Mia! the musical
T
hough the musical premiered back in 1999 in London, Mamma Mia! shot back up to popularity in 2008 with the movie adaptation, and then again in 2018 with the film sequel. And each time, ABBA’s tunes have reached the music charts – but let’s be honest, is there ever a time when ABBA is forgotten? This year, it’s Toowoomba’s turn to enjoy the live experience of the musical created originally by Catherine Johnson and the band’s own Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, as the Empire Theatre brings Mamma Mia! to stage from March 5 to 15. We had a chat with Diana Holt (Donna Sheridan), Sophie Volp (Sophie Sheridan), and James Taylor (Sky) about the musical, stage life, and performing in general.
DIANA HOLT (DONNA SHERIDAN) Where did you learn most of your acting skills? What about your singing skills? I have done short courses in acting and singing, however, most of my training has been ‘on the job’. I have had singing training with various teachers with different styles over the years which always broadens your knowledge and skills. What would be your favourite character role to date? I have two: Sally Bowles in Cabaret and the Queen of Hearts in Alice In Wonderland. What does the musical Mamma Mia mean to you? How would you describe it? It’s a story of redemption for me. What was seemingly lost becomes found. The past mistakes that brought hurt and dreams lost actually springs forth a new beginning and future better than expected. What attracted you to the role you’re playing in Mamma Mia? Donna is a strong independent woman who has a big heart. She is also relaxed and carefree but has lost a part of herself which I feel she gets back in the end. This is what makes her journey so joyous,
fulfilling and extremely relatable. Did you have much familiarity with ABBA and their music before auditioning for this production? Yes, I love ABBA songs and have become very familiar with them over many years. They are very technical and clever songs and they cause you to feel uplifted even though at times there is a sadness. I will be visiting the ABBA museum in Stockholm when I visit there this year. What’s your favourite ABBA song? The Winner Takes It All. What do you enjoy most about performing in musicals? I thoroughly enjoy exploring the roles that I play, thinking about how the character thinks, feels, expresses themselves. I love the camaraderie of being in a cast and I love the level of passion in performance that only musicals can allow me to express.
SOPHIE VOLP (SOPHIE SHERIDAN) Where did you learn most of your acting skills? What about your singing skills? I grew up in a musical family, so I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, but my voice has developed the most over the years with the help of the Toowoomba Choral Society Youth Choir. I have learnt so much about technique and musicality from our director, and it’s through her holiday productions that I honed my acting skills as well. Along with the help of a variety of workshops and lessons, I’ve turned my passion for performing into skills, and I’m still developing and growing as an actress daily. What would be your favourite character role to date? I had the opportunity to play The White Witch in the Toowoomba Choral Society Junior’s production of Narnia, and she has to be my favourite. TCHE01Z01ST - V1
