Harriet Thorpe Set For West End MAMMA MIA!, More New Casting Announced

harriet thorpe will take over the role of ‘Tanya' in the smash-hit musical "MAMMA MIA" on Monday 14 June 2010. Best-known for her television roles in the BBC's "Brittas Empire" and "Absolutely Fabulous", Harriet's West End credits include ‘Madame Morrible' in "Wicked", ‘Fraulein Kost' in "Cabaret" and ‘Madame Thénardier' in "Les Misérables". Linzi Hateley and Jessie May continue in their roles as mother and daughter ‘Donna and Sophie Sheridan'. The cast will also feature Catherine Russell as ‘Rosie', with Norman Bowman as ‘Sam Carmichael', Paul Ryan ‘Harry Bright', Christopher Hollis ‘Bill Austin', Joshua Sasse ‘Sky', Nicola Hawkins ‘Ali', Nicky Griffiths ‘Lisa', Alex Jessop ‘Pepper' and Paul-Michael Jones as ‘Eddie'. At certain performances, the role of ‘Donna Sheridan' will be played by Sara Poyzer or Melissa Jacques.

The smash-hit musical based on the songs of ABBA celebrated its 11th London birthday in April this year. "MAMMA MIA!" continues to break box office records at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The musical has had the highest ever weekly gross taken in the history of the Prince of Wales Theatre several times. From West End smash to global phenomenon, "MAMMA MIA!" has already been seen by over 42 million people in over 200 cities across North America, Australia, Europe and Asia. It has already grossed over $2 billion at the box office worldwide. The original London production opened in 1999 and has grossed £185 million at the UK Box Office. At this point in time, the London production has been seen by over one in ten of the UK population.

Inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson's enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago...

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, "MAMMA MIA!" is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

"MAMMA MIA!" is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.

"MAMMA MIA!" is now booking until 26 March 2011. Tickets are priced from £20.00 - £62.50. Tickets are available online at www.mamma-mia.com or through the Box Office on 0844 482 5115 or SEE on 0844 412 2962. Performances times are Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm, with Friday performances at 5.00pm and 8.30pm and Saturday performances at 3.00pm and 7.30pm.

Visit the "MAMMA MIA!" Website for more information at: www.mamma-mia.com

Photo Credit: BWW-Staff