Ruth McGurk and Katie Loxston joined the Showtime podcast to share the irresistible joy of bringing the iconic musical Mamma Mia! to Geelong. Playing the mother-daughter duo Donna and Sophie, they dive into what makes this show a timeless, global phenomenon.

The infectious music of ABBA is the heart of the production, with the cast highlighting how the familiar songs instantly create a ripple of excitement and nostalgia through the audience. They discuss how Mamma Mia! brilliantly weaves ABBA’s back catalogue into the narrative, making it feel less like a “jukebox musical” and more like a story perfectly crafted for the music—a connection they feel is key to its lasting appeal.

As Geelong locals, Ruth and Katie talk about the excitement of performing an iconic show for their hometown audience, noting that Mamma Mia! is exactly the “party” the community needs. They reveal the “infectious” and “safe” energy of the rehearsal room, where cast and crew have developed deep, real-life friendships, especially within their on-stage trios (Donna/Tanya/Rosie and Sophie/Ali/Lisa).

They share their favourite emotional moments on stage, including the powerful connection in “Slipping Through My Fingers,” and touch on the value of theatre training. Ruth reflects on how her background in cabaret and writing has given her the confidence to “keep the show moving” if things go wrong, while Katie praises her Queensland Conservatorium training for teaching her “everything in the kitchen sink.”

Don’t miss the party!

🎭 Mamma Mia!

🗓️ 3 Oct to 19 Oct

📍 Geelong Arts Centre, The Story House

🎟️ geelonglyric.com

RUTH McGURK is a Geelong mum, teacher, and an accomplished multi-hyphenate. Playing Donna, this is her second time on stage in Geelong. She is an internationallypublished children’s author whose debut solo show won Best Cabaret at Melbourne Fringe. Her theatre credits include Crissy in HAIR and Cinderella in Into the Woods.

KATIE LOXSTON is a Queensland Conservatorium graduate, where she trained in Musical Theatre and took on roles like Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street. Playing Sophie, she is a familiar face in Geelong theatre, recently appearing as Patty Simcox in Grease. Offstage, she teaches performing arts at Stage Arts Geelong and Infinite Dance Studios.