Grant Walker Photography
By Grace Hatcell, the girl in the know.
Now then, I know what some of you theatre purists will be thinking when this little note tumbled out of my satchel.
“Grace… the O2? Really?”
But before anyone starts wagging their programmes at me, let me explain myself.
Strictly speaking, this one isn’t a traditional theatre show. It’s the gloriously chaotic cousin that turns up after the curtain call, kicks off its shoes, pours another glass of wine and starts singing ABBA at full volume.
And frankly, Theatre Village has always had a soft spot for a good after-show party.
So here’s the news that fluttered into my delivery bag this week.
Pop favourite Peter Andre is set to join the cast of Mamma Mia! The Party at the O2 for a limited run from 14 May to 23 July 2026, stepping into the role of Nikos. Alongside him will be Sam Bailey, who will take on the role of Debbie from 14 May 2026 through to April 2027.
Now if you’ve never heard of Mamma Mia! The Party, imagine the following scenario.
You arrive expecting a nice evening out.
Next thing you know you’re sitting in a sun-soaked Greek taverna, someone is bringing you dinner, ABBA songs are flying around the room, and before long half the audience is clapping along like they’ve suddenly been adopted by a very musical Mediterranean family.
It’s theatre.
It’s dinner.
It’s a party.
And somewhere in the middle of it all you realise you’re part of the show whether you planned to be or not.
The immersive experience has already welcomed more than 700,000 guests since opening in London in 2019, with over 1,500 performances entertaining visitors from more than 110 countries. In other words, plenty of people have happily found themselves dancing in that taverna already.
Peter Andre joining the production certainly adds a splash of pop star sparkle to proceedings. Whether you know him from his chart-topping days or from his television appearances, there’s no denying he knows how to work a crowd.
And with Sam Bailey stepping into the mix as Debbie, the whole evening promises plenty of musical energy.
Now I’ll be honest with you.
This isn’t the sort of thing I’d normally deliver straight to the village square alongside our brilliant touring productions and fringe discoveries.
But sometimes, after a long night at the theatre, what people really want is exactly this.
A place to sit down, raise a glass, and sing along to Dancing Queen with complete strangers who suddenly feel like old friends.
And if that isn’t the spirit of a good after-show celebration, I don’t know what is.
So consider this one a little note from the festive side of my satchel.
Theatre first.
Party afterwards.
And judging by the sound of things, the O2 will be doing the honours rather nicely.
And if you’re the sort who likes to do things properly (and by properly I mean with a glass of champagne already in hand), there are a few VIP treats on offer too.
The Platinum Package puts you right in the thick of the taverna action with a top-tier seat, a chance to meet the cast for a little tableside hello and a photo, plus a welcoming glass of champagne to start the evening off in suitably celebratory fashion. You’ll also find half a bottle of Nikos’ house wine waiting for you, along with a rather cheerful little Mamma Mia! The Party merchandise pack to take home once the dancing shoes come off.
Already booked your spot at the table? Fear not. Guests can sprinkle a little extra sparkle on their evening with the VIP upgrade package, which adds that same champagne arrival, Nikos’ house wine and the party merchandise pack to your night.
If you fancy stepping into the full taverna experience, you can find all the details at mammamiatheparty.co.uk
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