Manjimup Repertory Club to produce Mamma Mia! musical

The hit musical Mamma Mia! is heading to the stage in Manjimup, in all its sequined and colourful glory.

The Manjimup Repertory Club will perform the show over two weekends from November 11 to 20 at their Brockman Street theatre.

Manjimup Repertory Theatre president and show director Elle Yovkoff said the show would be a fun night out and suitable for all ages.

“We’re really excited to share this with the community of Manjimup,” she said.

“Expect the sequin, expect the big, bright colours and expect the fun.”

Ms Yovkoff said the amount of enthusiasm and involvement from the cast of 22 locals had blown her away.

“We have some newcomers, who haven’t on stage ever before, which is so cool because we also have people who are quite experienced in community theatre and it’s been quite a journey,” she said,

The show was initially planned at the beginning of the year, but Ms Yovkoff made the tough call to delay the production because of COVID restrictions and high case numbers.

“I did all the planning, and then there were lockdowns and restrictions put in place and Western Australia hadn’t hit the peak yet, so I made the decision to defer it until there was a better time after winter,” she said.

“COVID has put a dampener on all arts events for the past few years and now that’s all freeing up, I saw the opportunity and just ran with it.”

Ms Yovkoff says the show was supported by a grant from the Regional Arts Fund and by local businesses.

“We have local businesses sponsoring the show as well, we have a bar with Ampersand Estate sponsoring the opening night giving a complimentary glass to audiences.”

All proceeds from the show will help the community-based club repair the theatre roof.

“It’s so good for the club, because we are fundraising to replace the tiled roof of the club,” Ms Yovkoff said.

“That’s what the funds are going towards, our building, maintenance and also future shows.”

Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased at either at TryBooking.com or at the Manjimup Public Library.