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Mamma Mia: Tall & Short Theatre Co - Review by Tracy Payne



“Mamma Mia” is a production that needs no introduction. At the very sound of the title, you know that you are in for great music, high energy and a lot of fun, and that is exactly what

the Tall & Short Theatre Co have offered.



Established in 2023, the Tall & Short Theatre Co is a new and enthusiastic group committed

to making theatre accessible and inclusive. Company Manager, Benjamin May, has served

as Director, Designer and Musical Director for this project and has brought together a

company of creatives and performers whose love for theatre is tangible.


“Mamma Mia” could well be considered a passion project for May as this the second

production of the show that he has directed and many of the lead cast are also reprising

roles which they clearly love. The camaraderie and chemistry amongst the cast was evident

and this brought an authenticity to affection between characters and grounded the

complicated emotional landscape of the narrative by providing a believable sense of

relational history.



At its core, “Mamma Mia” is about mother-daughter duo Donna and Sophie and the casting

of real life mother and daughter, Nella Magnante and Brodie Fraser brought an additional

layer of emotive power. Magnante reprised her “dream role” of Donna with honesty, heart

and powerful vocals while Fraser’s portrayal of Sophie established the requisite balance of

sweetness and mischief in both her vocals and acting. Their scenes together were magical,

particularly the emotionally arduous moments of Act 2. As a mum of teenagers, “Slipping

through my fingers” always tugs at the heart strings and brings a tear to my eye but to

witness Nella sing to Brodie as she dressed her in a wedding gown took that to a new level.

How neither of them broke in that moment amazes me, however, I would advise audiences

to bring tissues because you, like me, may not be that strong!


Acknowledging the themes of love and friendship that undergird the production, I must make

mention of Isabella Gallant and Hannah Gleeson in the roles of Tanya and Rosie. These

performers embraced their roles with gusto, embedding the characteristics audiences will

expect while adding their own personal nuances. The true strength of characterisation came

when all three (Donna, Rosie and Tanya) were on stage together, as the bond of friendship

they portrayed was authentic, their comic timing was on point and their harmonies were

perfect.


Another joyous trio were Josif Jovanovski, Damien Morley and Tim Wotherspoon as

Sophie’s dads. Jovanovski’s managed the range of Sam’s character with relative ease,

balancing humour, powerful vocal performances and sensitive moments. His scenes with

Magnante and Fraser were heartfelt and poignant. Morley’s “Aussie” take on Bill was

delightful and established a nice contrast to the characterisation of the other male leads. He

had many strong moments but I cannot go past the comic joy of “Take a chance on me”;

both he and Gleeson were brilliant. Tim Wotherspoon completes the trio with his portrayal of

Harry. A strong vocalist, Wotherspoon shone in his solo moments but also, commendably, he

matched his castmates in every duet, trio and ensemble number to provide nicely blended

harmony and a firm but gentle stage presence which grounded every scene for which he

was on stage. In a role which can often lean into stereotype, Wotherspoon offered an

authentic and engaging portrayal of Harry with an especially strong chemistry with Donna

(Magnante).





While the romantic entanglements of Donna and the dads provide both comic and emotive

moments (as well as some brilliant songs!) let’s not forget the lovebirds and the wedding

around which the narrative revolves. I have already mentioned Brodie Fraser’s portrayal of

Sophie and her work opposite her mum, but as the bride to be, playing opposite Lachlan

Whitehead (Sky) created a strong on-stage partnership which matched energy and

emotion in every scene as well as lending and balance in their duets. This was no mean feat

on Fraser’s part as Whitehead brought a strong stage presence and powerful vocals, so her

capacity to meet and match him while maintaining the gentleness of her character is

noteworthy. That is not to detract from all that Whitehead brought to his performance. His

vocal power was evident in both solos and ensemble numbers, he brought incredible energy

through his dancing and an authenticity in every scene whether in earnest moments with

Sophie or in true “lad” mode in the celebratory scenes.


Indeed, the celebratory scenes of “Mamma Mia” are key to the fun and energy for which the

show is most known and loved. The impact of these are reliant on two key factors – the

choreography and the ensemble. Jaila Ellem and Isabella Gallant are credited with

choreography for this production, creating an impressive visual feast which embraced the

skills of the cast, exuding energy whilst not undermining the vocals. Nevertheless, the

challenging task of executing high energy choreography while maintaining the vocal power

and harmonies of the ABBA classics is one that can only be met by a talented and well-

trained cast.


The supporting cast and ensemble were energetic and joyful. Led by Alicia

Clover (Ali), Isabel Holley (Lisa), Daniel De Ruvo (Pepper) and John Tracy (Eddie), this team

of youthful performers brought life to every scene whether delivering well-timed comic

moments, giving their all to the choreography and vocals, or moving set pieces. They worked

well together, with every contribution exuding the love, joy and friendship that “Mamma Mia”

seeks to celebrate.


At Tall & Short Theatre Co, love, joy and friendship extend beyond the on-stage narrative.

Reviewing the credits of the production you will find a team of friends and family members

who have supported this production including Jo Bonney & Peter Scott (Production

Coordinators), Lachlan Ganderton (Stage Manager), Tomas Gerasimidis (Lighting Designer)

and Wade Madams (Set Coordinator). The talents and dedication of this group, and many

others, reminds me of what community theatre is all about. Even more so, when I read the

program and see acknowledgements of other community theatre groups donating costumes

and sets, and Tall & Short Theatre Co promoting productions of other groups, my heart feels

the love, joy and friendship of theatre extending beyond the story line of “Mamma Mia”.


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