'I feel lucky': Leeds performer Claudia Bradley shares why Mamma Mia! The Party is a 'magical' musical
A Leeds-born musical theatre star has shared her experience of starring in Mamma Mia! The Party, a show where you can dance, you can jive, and you can have the time of your life.
The feel-good musical created by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus is an immersive theatrical dining experience which has been a staple show at the O2 in London since 2019.
Set in a Greek taverna on the island of Skopelos, Mamma Mia! The Party focuses on couple Nikos and Kate, as romance, drama, and comedy unfolds in their life, with the story told through the iconic music of ABBA.
Claudia Bradley, a performer who grew up in Leeds and Wakefield, has been part of the show for the past six years. As a swing cast member in the show, she understudies both the ensemble and three lead roles: Kate, Grandma, and Debbie.
For Claudia, her love of musical theatre began as a child and was inspired by her dad.
“My dad was very musical. Music was his entire life,” Claudia told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“He ran the Leeds Girls Choir and because of that, I’ve sung from probably before I could talk.
“I don’t actually have a memory of not dancing or singing so I think it was just meant to be.”
Claudia trained at the Jean Pearce School of Dance in Leeds throughout her childhood, and she credits the “amazing” teaching from the late Jean Pearce with giving her the confidence to enter the industry.
At just ten-years-old, Claudia made her West End debut in Annie at the Victoria Palace Theatre.
Then, when she reached 16, the performer decided to take a chance and move to London on her own to pave her way in the musical theatre world.
Claudia said: “At 16 it was just exciting because all I wanted to do was move to London and be in the West End - that was my dream, that’s all I wanted.
“I don’t know how I took it in my stride at 16 but you just do. You have no fear, you just do it but with hindsight it was quite frightening.”
After starring in shows such as Starlight Express and Les Misérables, Claudia joined the cast of Mamma Mia! The Party in 2020, and it’s a show that she said always has a “fantastic” atmosphere.
“It’s magical. Not a day goes by when there’s not a smile on your face,” Claudia said.
“The vibe is just incredible. People are there to have a good time and they have a good time. We put on a hell of a show.
“When you first walk in and you stand at the top of the staircase, just the sheer sight of the Taverna is breath-taking.”
Mamma Mia! The Party features many of ABBA’s best-loved songs which Claudia confessed she could “never get bored of singing”. Her favourites to perform include SOS, Voulez Vous, and I Have a Dream.
Meanwhile, she teased that her highlight of the show is a surprise within the second act.
Claudia said: “My favourite part is in the second act but it’s a bit of a surprise.
“If you want to know what the surprise is, come and see the show because it is absolutely amazing.”
After growing up in Leeds, Claudia is now living her dream by performing in London, one of the top theatre destinations across the world.
It’s a career she feels “incredibly lucky” to have.
Her greatest advice to any young performer is simple: to recognise that the industry is difficult but to always remember to enjoy what you are doing.
Claudia said: “You will get knocked back and its heart-breaking sometimes, but it doesn’t mean you’re not talented, it just means that you weren’t right for that particular job.
“There’s only a set amount of theatres and a set amount of shows, and more people are coming into the industry so all I can say is to study hard and do it for the love.
“You have to do it for the love because it’s an incredibly tough industry.”
Mamma Mia! The Party is currently booking until 4 April 2027. Tickets are available from mammamiatheparty.co.uk