The U.K.'s Getting a Mamma Mia! Casting Reality Show

The West End's Mamma Mia! will find its next Sophie and Sky through an eight-episode reality competition series, Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream on ITV.

The series will reportedly be shot in the Greek Islands, where the ABBA jukebox musical is set, with the finale in London's West End. Contestants will receive mentorships from industry stars and a panel of expert judges, both to be announced.

The series mirrors earlier stage casting competition reality shows, mostly in the U.K. 2007's Any Dream Will Do cast Lee Mead in the title role of a West End revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, while other series cast roles in London bows of The Sound of Music and Oliver!. The U.S.'s sole foray into the concept was the 2006 series Grease: You're the One That I Want, which led to Max Crumm and Laura Osnes starring in the 2007 Broadway revival of the '50s musical.

With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (of ABBA fame), Mamma Mia! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast.

Mamma Mia! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre April 6, 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004, and then to the Novello Theatre in 2012. It reopened in the West End following the pandemic August 25, 2021.

The upcoming reality series will be produced by Amelia Brown, Charlie Irwin, and Ashley Whitehouse for Thames and Mamma Mia! stage producer Judy Craymer for Littlestar. A premiere date has not yet been set.

Those interested in applying to compete can visit Thames.tv.