Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream – everything you need to know

What is it?

Mamma Mia! is celebrating 25 fabulous years in the West End! To mark the occasion fourteen aspiring musical theatre stars have flown out to Greece to face the ultimate audition for the parts of Sophie and Sky. During the process the hopefuls face workshops and masterclasses as well as live performances – both individually and in groups – in front of a starry panel of judges.

When is it on? 

The first episode of the TV talent search show airs this coming Sunday, the 22 October at 6pm on ITV1, ITVX and STV. After that it’ll air weekly on Sunday evenings.

How many episodes are there?

There will be eight episodes of Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream in total, culminating in a grand final set to be broadcast live from a West End theatre! More details are yet to be confirmed but the two winning actors should be crowned before Christmas.

Who’s on it? 

Open auditions took place at the home of Mamma Mia! in the West End and thousands of dancing queens and super troupers leapt at the chance to be a part of it. The eagle-eyed among you may have spotted some familiar faces in the final 14 – you can find out who they are here.

Who are the judges?

The varied judging panel includes comedian and TV personality Alan Carr, singer/songwriter Jessie Ware, WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award-winner Amber Riley and stage and screen star Samantha Barks, who made the final of a similar competition, I’d Do Anything, in search for a Nancy. Radio DJ Zoe Ball is on hosting duties, whilst the woman we have to thank for Mamma Mia! herself, producer Judy Craymer, keeps a watchful eye on proceedings.

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What numbers will be performed? 

Here at WhatsOnStage we’ve been lucky enough to see the first two episodes! The first sees the contestants perform numbers from the musical that are not sung by Sophie or Sky. But it won’t just be eight weeks of ABBA songs. For the second episode we were in the live audience and saw the girls take on some big pop numbers. We’d imagine (and are hoping that) there’ll be a musical theatre week, and maybe a duet week to test the on-stage chemistry…

Over the next few weeks we’ll be showing you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Villa Donna as well as chats with the judges and host, so dance, jive, and watch!