Interview: Helen Hobson

Star of Mamma Mia!, Helen Hobson, talks to Victoria Nangle about returning to the role made famous by Meryl Streep, the songs of Abba, and an appreciation of Tom Waits

Hi Helen, how is the tour going so far?
Really well, I’m enjoying visiting the local attractions in each venue and have been able to combine family holiday visits with the MAMMA MIA! schedule. Plus the audiences have been so welcoming.

Can you remember what first attracted you to the show MAMMA MIA!?
I saw the show when it first opened in London and loved the music and the three female characters who were firm friends, really appealed to me. I also fell in love with the character of Donna and put the role on my goal list of parts I wanted to play!

Donna is a role that you’ve stepped away from and returned to. Do you find something new each time you approach her, or is she an old friend you just grow more fond of?
Perhaps a bit of both? This time we have had more time in rehearsals and so Paul Garrington (director) has really pushed me to explore a new Donna. Improvisation, discussion and working with open and talented cast members has really been a treat this time around.

Many people come to the role first as played by Meryl Streep in the film. How did you make it your own?
I just try to play the truth of the story, guided by the creatives. Hopefully I then create my own Donna.

Can I do this? Then there is a roar, the audience stands up and off we go!

What is your favourite song in the show to perform, and why?
This is such a difficult question… when I am in each moment, singing each song… that is my favourite! If pushed? Possibly ‘Dancing Queen’, it seems to make everyone smile and get up and dance! 

If you had the ear of Benny and Bjorn, are there any ABBA songs you would add to the show’s songbook which aren’t currently there?
Maybe they could pen a brand new song? For Bill and Donna? We don’t get to sing together! 

Are there any bands or musicians of this century’s pop charts that you think could deliver a songbook musical from their catalogue? What do you think it might be like?
Maybe Tom Waits, his tunes and lyrics can be pretty powerful, moving and painful to listen to at times. Not exactly uplifting perhaps!

MAMMA MIA!’s warmth brings back repeat audiences – is it sometimes difficult to radiate that warmth as a cast every night and twice on matinees, no matter what life throws at you?
That is the job of an actor, to leave your troubles at the stage door and try to step in and do your job. I find that you do get an extraordinary re-energising at the end of the show from the audience. Having told the whole story and then the extra concert at the end? Can I do this? Then there is a roar, the audience stands up and off we go!

Why do you think that musicals are so emotive – and the music of ABBA fits so well within this canon?
Our musical has a story that people can relate too, the lyrics in the songs are also very much telling a story, the combination of the two makes it very powerful.

Are you looking forward to bringing the show to Brighton?
Very much. I’m bringing my family as it falls in the summer holidays so what better way to spend my summer? Beaches, ABBA and storytelling! All in the iconic seaside town.

Mamma Mia, Brighton Centre, Tuesday 15 August – Sunday 3 September 2017; matinees 2.30pm & 3pm, 9.45pm, eveings 7.30pm; £15–50, brightoncentre.co.uk