Tristan Baille : You had already played Sophie Sheridan on the international tour before joining the West End production. How has your understanding of the character evolved since you first stepped into the role ?
Ellie Kingdon : My interpretation of the role has definitely evolved since March 2024. I think the more life lessons you learn, the more you’re able to understand Sophie’s complex journey as the years pass. Her desperate need to discover what’s important to her is such a gorgeous and generous journey to explore as an actress, and the more I play her, the more I learn from her personally too.
Tristan Baille : Sophie is full of joy and youthful energy, but she is also searching for her identity and her place in the world. Which aspect of her personality do you connect with most deeply ?
Ellie Kingdon : The discovery of her place in the world is something I feel is so poignant right now for young women, and this is something I definitely connect with on a deeper level. Her youthful energy is infectious, which adds a lightness to the story, but the moments of the show that highlight her desperate need to discover what she thinks is her future can be moving for most, we’ve all been there. She’s extremely relatable to most of the audience in some way or another. I, along with many others I’m sure, have convinced myself I am destined for one thing when truly I am destined for the complete opposite, but discovering this can come with all kinds of emotions. She has taught me so very much about what I long for in life and what’s truly important to me.
Tristan Baille : Mamma Mia! creates an extraordinary connection with its audience, many of whom know every song before the performance begins. What does it feel like to experience that energy from the stage each evening ?
Ellie Kingdon : There’s no better feeling. To be able to tell a story that is essentially about love in all its forms, via the music of ABBA, is one of the greatest jobs of my life. The songs are somehow ingrained in our memories from childhood. You can’t remember how you know them, you just always have. The audience usually includes people from every stage of life and, no matter who is watching, this musical has a magical way of sending you through the doors smiling and dancing after a surprise moment of heartwarming tears. Offering a form of escapism from this crazy world right now will always be a privilege.
Tristan Baille : Sophie and Donna’s mother/daughter relationship is at the emotional heart of the musical. How did you and Sara Poyzer work together to make that relationship feel genuine and moving ?
Ellie Kingdon : Even though the show has been running for 27 years now and the framework is always the same, we were encouraged to play and collaborate, bringing our own previous versions to help find our version as a duo. I think it was quite clear early on that we had a natural chemistry and, honestly, bringing our individual personalities to the roles made the relationship work seamlessly from the get-go. We always had a safe environment to discuss ideas, play unapologetically and support one another. For me, letting go can be one of the hardest parts of a rehearsal process, but Sara made it so easy and allowed me to discover (and keep discovering) who my Sophie was.
Tristan Baille : Beyond the famous songs and the feel-good atmosphere, what do you think Mamma Mia! has to say to today’s younger generation about family, love and choosing their own future ?
Ellie Kingdon : That life is messy. Sometimes the direction you’re heading in can take a sharp turn, and feeling lost is normal. Love is everywhere if you’re willing to see it : relationships, platonic love, friendships, a stranger passing you on the street. Navigating the current world alongside so many factors that tell us what we should be, who we should be friends with, what our wedding should be, etc., is beyond difficult. Staying true to yourself is the most important thing. Remaining kind, giving grace, loving outwardly and unapologetically being YOU. No one can do ‘you’ better than you.
Mamma Mia!
Novello Theatre, London
Currently booking until 13 March 2027
