Gary Watson To Star As 'Sky' In International Tour Of MAMMA MIA At Metro Arena Newcastle December 12-January 17

Sunderland born actor Gary Watson will star as ‘Sky' in the International Tour of the global smash-hit musical "MAMMA MIA!" at the Metro Arena Newcastle from 12 December 2009 to 17 January 2010. Gary's West End stage credits include "Les Miserables" and "Evita".

Gary Watson said: "You just cannot beat a northern audience! I have performed at the Empire Theatre Sunderland, and at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, and everyone involved was completely blown away with the warmth, energy and "up for it" atmosphere of the northern crowds. It's going to be so special for me to perform the world's number 1 musical, "MAMMA MIA!", at home this Christmas. I can't wait!"

Inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson's enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago...

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, "MAMMA MIA!" is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

From West End smash to global phenomenon, "MAMMA MIA!" has already been seen by more than 40 million people in over 200 cities across North America, Australia, Europe and Asia. It has already grossed over $2 billion at the box office worldwide. The original London production opened in 1999 and has been seen by over 5 million people, grossing over £185 million at the UK Box Office. The Newcastle engagement marks the start of the sixth year of the International Tour, which has been seen by over 3 million people in cities as diverse as Cape Town, Zurich, Dublin, Beijing, Taipei, Berlin, Paris, Lisbon, Pretoria, Dubai, Copenhagen, Tel Aviv, Riga, Shanghai, Helsinki, Bratislava, Prague, Glasgow and Budapest.

The International Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal, Stage Entertainment and NGM.

Tickets are priced from £15.00-£35.00 for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening performances and all matinee performances, and from £20.00-£39.50 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening performances. Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or through the Box Office on 08444 93 6666. For group bookings (10+) call 0191 260 6006 or email groupbookings@smgnewcastle.co.uk. Performances times are Tuesdays to Sundays at 7.30pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2.30pm. There will be extra matinees on Wednesday 23, Thursday 24 and Thursday 31 December, and no evening performance on Thursday 24 December.
Further casting will be announced shortly.

Visit the "MAMMA MIA!" website for more information at: www.mamma-mia.com