"It gives you the same kick as a pop concert!" Acclaimed Mamma Mia star Sarah Earnshaw on returning to Leeds

Spoiler alert: there is a moment at the very end of every Mamma Mia! performance when the lines between traditional musical theatre and a high-octane stadium rock show completely blur.

As the iconic spandex suits come out and the opening chords of ‘Dancing Queen’ kick in for the legendary mega-mix finale, entire auditoriums are routinely swept off their feet.

"I've not been anywhere, of all the amazing countries and cities that I've played with this show, where audiences aren't up on their feet having the time of their lives," says Leeds-born actress Sarah Earnshaw, who is currently treading the boards as the fiercely glamorous Tanya in the smash-hit UK tour, which arrives at Leeds Grand Theatre this month.

"It gets you every single time. It is amazingly powerful that a show can do that to a group of people. People pay a lot of money to see their favourite musicians in concert, but it gives you the Exact same kick as a pop concert."

For a culture journalist tracking the modern entertainment landscape, the comparison to a live gig isn't just hype, but a reflection of changing audience habits.

With major music concert tickets skyrocketing into the hundreds of pounds, audiences are increasingly gravitating toward the guaranteed bang-for-your-buck offered by iconic jukebox musicals.

"People know what they are going to get, and I think that is really important when you're spending a lot of money," Sarah agrees. "Sometimes it's really hard to part with that money if you're not quite sure what a show is going to be.

“Because people know the movie and they now know the stage show, and they definitely know the music, they really want to see it,” Sarah continues.

“The mega-mix in particular is so much like being at a gig. You get the story, all the kind of heartfelt stuff, and the comedy throughout the show itself, and then at the end you get that feeling of being at a concert. It sort of ticks all the boxes."

Shattering the Character Mould

Stepping into the high heels of Tanya - the unapologetically wealthy, three-times-divorced dynamo with a razor-sharp wit - is a dream come true for Sarah.

However, at five-foot-two, she admits she initially wondered if her height might go against her for a role traditionally envisioned as statuesque.

"I always thought that was the look that they would go for," she laughs. "I thought it might go against me, but I'm so glad they went a bit of a different way with it. It doesn't matter who you are or what you look like, you can bring those qualities that Tanya needs - that kind of effervescence and vivaciousness. I hope that is what I bring to her."

In fact, when pressed on where the fiercely independent, high-society Tanya might actually hail from if she were a local Leeds lass, Sarah paused for a moment before answering.

"I think she's definitely Alwoodley." Sarah finally jokes.

"She's a little bit too classy for anywhere else”

Now celebrating over a quarter-century of global dominance, Mamma Mia! continues to sell out worldwide, completely transcending language barriers.

Sarah has witnessed the universal power of ABBA's catalogue first-hand on her travels with the production.

"I’ve been lucky enough to tour the world on this show, from China to India and all over Europe," she reflects. "Wherever you go, they love it. The music of ABBA is just timeless. The story is so cleverly done, and the songs are so well-woven into the plot.

“It was really the first jukebox musical of its time, and it has stood the test of time while so many others have followed in its footsteps."

Advice to the Next Generation of Leeds Talent

Having carved out an enviable career path from West Yorkshire to the West End - including a stellar run in Wicked - Sarah’s return to the historic Leeds Grand Theatre is a full-circle moment.

Looking out into the stalls this month, she knows there will be plenty of young, local creatives hoping to follow in her footsteps.

Her advice to them is simple: “See as much live theatre as you possibly can and learn from it. Learn what works, what doesn't work, what you like, and what you don't.”

Sarah continues: “Ask yourself, where do you sit within this place? What is your thing? Be as active as you can in trying to be involved, whether that's drama groups, dance lessons, singing lessons, or amateur theatre."

But most importantly, Sarah tells a new generation of performers in the city never to lose the joy of performing: “Don't lose the love for it, because that's the main thing. If someone wants to do it as a career, it is the love for it that will carry you through and give you longevity. Don't be afraid and be yourself."

And with the Leeds theatre scene continuing to boom, including housing the UK premiere of Karate Kid: The Musical late last month, Sarah is eager to see the city rival traditional cultural capitals.

"Absolutely, Leeds deserves to be on par with London or Manchester. It has been producing fantastic work for a long time, particularly at the Leeds Playhouse, where they are so great at creating new things.“

Sarah then reveals a bucket list item for the region: “I would love to create something up in the North and be a part of our culture, our history, and our unique humour."

Mamma Mia! runs at Leeds Grand Theatre from June 16 to June 27, 2026 - tickets and performance times are available now through Leeds Heritage Theatre’s box office and website.