From the cast of Mamma Mia!
There's only a few weeks to go until our Senior School Production takes to the Ulumbarra Stage!
Set on a sun-soaked island in Greece, Mamma Mia! is a feel-good musical packed with ABBA hits, dancing and heartfelt laughs.
The cast, crew and staff behind the production are working hard behind the scenes to bring Mamma Mia! to life at the Ulumbarra Theatre on Thursday 26, Friday 27 and Saturday 28 June.
As we count down to the performances, we are excited to share the thoughts of our Production and Drama Captains, who are playing starring roles – not only in the musical itself, but in leading it behind the scenes.
Don't worry, there's still time to say 'I do, I do, I do!' to Mamma Mia! - click here to get your tickets!
Meet the Production and Drama Captains helping to bring Mamma Mia! to life
Scarlett Abbott (12 Jones) – Production Captain
Role: Donna Sheridan
Number of previous Girton productions: Five
What is your favourite Mamma Mia! musical number?
‘The Winner Takes it All’, which also happens to be my favourite musical number to perform in the show. However, my favourite scene is probably ‘Money Money Money’ – I think the dynamic between the cast in the scene is super fun!
What does your role as Production Captain involve?
Being Production Captain for Mamma Mia! has meant stepping into a leadership role that balances responsibility, support and creativity. It involves being a point of contact between the cast and staff members, relaying information and clarifying questions they might have, and providing encouragement and motivation throughout the rehearsals and performances.
What have been the most memorable parts of the production experience?
I have loved being able to connect with many different people I otherwise wouldn’t have crossed paths with, watching the scenes evolve and seeing people grow more confident with each rehearsal. A big challenge within my role is learning to manage time and energy between schoolwork, rehearsals and other commitments; staying organised and keeping a clear head is essential. I have learnt that patience, empathy and clear communication can go a long way in supporting the team.
What is your advice for students considering joining future productions?
If you’re considering being a part of the Senior School Production, my best piece of advice is to go all in and don’t hold back!! Whether you’re acting, dancing, in the band, working backstage or doing tech, the experience is extremely rewarding and you will get to make many close and long-lasting friendships.
Audrey Jackson (11 Frew) – Production Vice-Captain
Role: Rosie
Number of previous Girton productions: Seven
What is your favourite Mamma Mia! musical number?
My favourite musical number from Mamma Mia! would probably be 'Does Your Mother Know?'. It's such a fun song, and I love that I can dance in it!
What does your role as Production Vice-Captain involve?
I have been involved in multiple productions throughout my time at Girton and in Mamma Mia! this year, I play Rosie as well as being Production Vice-Captain – a role I am really excited about! As Production Vice-Captain, I help out with the younger cast members, including running warm-ups, helping them remember choreography and assisting at costume fittings. We also try our best to inspire the cast by putting a lot of effort into our roles and weekly rehearsals.
What have been the most memorable parts of the production experience?
I love that we can be there for the younger cast members, and it's been wonderful collaborating with people involved in the production who have similar interests. I have talked to many of my younger castmates and helped them with any questions they've had, and I've also helped a bit with remembering choreography, as I love the dance side of the productions. The most memorable moment of rehearsals for me so far was definitely our first photo shoot at school. I brought my exchange student from Japan along for the day, and we had a lot of fun trying on costumes and filming videos! It was a long day, but the photos came out great in the end, and we all had a great time.
What is your advice for students considering joining future productions?
Being involved in the production is so much fun, and you develop such strong friendships with other members of the cast. Every one of the musicals I have participated in has been very rewarding. I have definitely learnt that practice makes perfect – it's so important in production that you remember your choreography and lines so rehearsals can flow much easier. Consistency is so valuable, and I've definitely started being more consistent in everything I do, because it really shows when you put the effort in, academically and musically.
Tom Marchant (12 Millward) – Drama Captain
Role: Sam Carmichael
Number of previous Girton productions: Eight
What is your favourite Mamma Mia! musical number?
SOS!!!
What does your role as Drama Captain involve?
I’ve enjoyed the sense of responsibility and getting to see what kind of things go into a production behind the scenes with organising costumes, props, etc. I’ve really tried to incorporate social games and activities at the beginning of some rehearsals as a warm-up to help build a relationship throughout the cast. I feel that is very important as it not only creates unity within the cast but it also is very clear to an audience when the cast has a bond and connection.
What have been the most memorable parts of the production experience?
I've loved getting the chance to be involved in this production, both in a leadership role and through VCE Theatre Studies, which has given me the chance to step in for some assistant directing. It’s been so fun being able to work with all the cast and getting to know them through drama games and rehearsals. I feel as though this particular show has opened my eyes to just how much effort goes into a show behind the scenes and the amount of organisation required … it’s insane!
What is your advice for students considering joining future productions?
To anyone looking at getting involved in the production... do it!!!! The best memories of my high school experience have been within the production. It’s a highlight of the year!
Brandon Tuohy (10 Frew) – Drama Vice-Captain
Role: Sky
Number of previous Girton productions: Five
What is your favourite Mamma Mia! musical number?
'Voulez Vouz' is my favourite number to perform. It has this intense, chaotic energy that’s completely unique. There so much going on!
What does your role as Drama Vice-Captain involve?Stepping up and becoming one of the leaders has been an exciting challenge for me. I've loved being involved in leading warm-ups and getting everyone in the right headspace before rehearsals.
What have been the most memorable parts of the production experience?
Getting to watch everyone grow and support them into their roles both on and off stage has been incredibly rewarding. It's being part of that journey, encouraging people through the tough rehearsals, and celebrating the wins that has really stuck with me.
What is your advice for students considering joining future productions?
To anyone looking at being a part of the production, just go for it! I used to think theatre wasn’t for me but I gave it a shot and it's ended up being one of the best experiences I've had. I've really learnt the value of teamwork. You can’t put on a great show without it! Everyone has the same goal, so it becomes really easy to work with everyone else. It also makes it easy to lift each other up. It’s a skill I’ll carry with me well beyond the stage!