In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Mamma Mia leading lady Bek Chapman during rehearsals at the National Theatre ahead of the show’s February season. From the surprise birthday call that moved her from understudy to Donna Sheridan, Bek reflects on stepping into an iconic role at exactly the right moment in her life.

The conversation explores the heart beneath the disco sparkle — the strength and vulnerability within Donna, the emotional impact of Slipping Through My Fingers, and why Mamma Mia continues to resonate across generations. Andrew and Bek also discuss the unique energy of live theatre and the powerful connection between performers and audiences.

At its core, this episode is a celebration of joy, friendship, and the deeply human magic that makes theatre unforgettable.

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with acclaimed Australian director Pip Mushen during rehearsals for Mamma Mia, ahead of its upcoming season at the National Theatre this February. Pip reflects on his early perceptions of the show and how, through rehearsal and close attention to the script, he discovered a depth of heart and emotional storytelling beneath its joyful, familiar surface.

The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the director’s role in shaping live theatre — from the invisible work audiences never notice to the delicate balance between spectacle and sincerity. Pip shares insights from a career spanning theatre, film, and television, unpacking what it really takes to lead a cast under pressure, collaborate with creative teams, and keep a production aligned around a shared goal.

Andrew and Pip also explore why Mamma Mia continues to resonate across generations. Beyond ABBA’s iconic music and infectious energy, the show endures because of its emotional accessibility, its focus on relationships, and its ability to move audiences without demanding analysis or explanation.

At its heart, this episode is a celebration of live theatre as a shared, immediate experience — joyful, demanding, and deeply human — and a reminder that the most powerful moments on stage are often the ones audiences feel rather than consciously see.

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Belle Parkinson, Ali Long, and Eleanor Atanofsky as they prepare to step into the world of Mamma Mia ahead of its National Theatre season this February. The cast reflect on the excitement, nerves, and privilege of working on a musical that holds such a special place in popular culture, and on the responsibility of bringing honesty and authenticity to a show so many audiences already love.

They share what life is like inside the rehearsal room as opening night draws closer — from the fast pace and constant momentum to the sense of trust, play, and belonging that forms when a cast comes together. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at Mamma Mia as a true ensemble piece, where every performer contributes to the energy of a show that never really stops moving.

The discussion also explores why Mamma Mia continues to resonate decades after its debut. From the timeless appeal of ABBA’s music to the show’s balance of humour, heart, and emotional relatability, the cast unpack why it works best when played sincerely rather than as pure spectacle. Along the way, they reflect on their individual journeys into theatre — from early inspirations and training to uncertainty, growth, and learning to trust their instincts.

At its heart, this episode is about joy, connection, and shared experience. It’s a reminder of why live theatre matters, how music can instantly lift a room, and why audiences keep returning to Mamma Mia — to laugh, to feel seen, and to leave the theatre smiling, humming ABBA, and feeling just a little lighter than when they arrived.