Linzi Hateley

Over 30 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the smash-hit musical Mamma Mia! Ticketmaster caught up with West End favourite Linzi Hateley who recently joined the cast at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

1. Has joining the cast of Mamma Mia as the lead character Donna always been on your wish-list as an actress?
Not really. I loved the part, but when I saw the show seven years ago I wasn't ready to play Donna. I'm now a mother with my own daughter so I can totally relate to the character now.

2. You look like you are having a ball in the show with all of the fantastic ABBA songs to perform and costumes to wear. What is your favourite part of the show to perform and why?
Super Trouper with my dynamos Joanna Monro and Jane Gurnett. It's the first time you see us in our white Lycra (what a laugh!).

3. What do you think is the secret to Mamma Mia being such a huge international success?
Amazing songs, great choreography, clever script and lots of heart.

4. Which ABBA song most sums up Linzi Hateley?
Thank You For The Music.

5. You have had a massively successful theatrical career, appearing in so many well-known shows. Which has been your favourite character to play and which show do you have the fondest memories of?
It has to be between Roxie Hart in Chicago and Donna in Mamma Mia. They couldn't be more different but are both amazing roles. My fondest memories are on Joseph at the London Palladium; that was a wonderful time for me.

6. What was the last West End show you saw and did you enjoy it?
Last show was The Sound of Music with my daughter for Christmas. It's great family entertainment. The last play I saw was The Entertainer with my mate Robert Lindsay, it was fantastic!

7. What would be your dream musical theatre role to play - and who would be your fantasy co-star?
I'd like to play Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd one day with Nicholas Cage as Sweeney (I don't know if he can sing though!).

8. Who or what has been the biggest influence on your career?
Freddie Mercury. I grew up listening to him and he seemed so theatrical to me. With that amazing voice he'd have been perfect for musicals.

9. You have starred in Les Misérables, Chicago and Mary Poppins - all of which are still running in the West End. Do you keep in touch with your old work places and have you been back to watch the shows without you in them?
I do keep in touch with people I've worked with on the shows but I haven't watched them. When you know a show so well I find it hard to enjoy it like a normal audience member would. Plus there's always so many other shows and plays that I haven't seen that I'd rather watch when I go to the theatre.

10. What is your ideal way to spend a day in London?
Well, I'm more of an evening girl. I'd hit London about six o'clock on a summer's day with friends, sit outside a pub on the South Bank, maybe watch a play and finish off with some noodles at Wagamamas. Perfect!

11. What is next for Linzi Hateley?
I never know what's next. I'm having a ball on Mamma Mia - what more does a girl want than dressing up in white Lycra and silver boots every night!

See Linzi Hateley live on stage in Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London.