Lily ecstatic over dream role in Mamma Mia

Lily Baulderstone is living a true “pinch me moment” after landing a dream gig of performing in the hit production of Mamma Mia! The Musical.

The East Melbourne resident, who graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in 2019, has been casted as an ensemble member to the show known for its timeless ABBA tunes and infectious energy – with the musical now playing at the Princess Theatre until December 10. 

“Mamma Mia was a dream show for me. I mean, who doesn’t want to dance to Voulez Vous on stage every single night?” she told Inner City News.

“The auditions were very intense with hardcore dance calls and singing workshops. I was so shocked when my agent called and said, ‘You have an offer for Mamma Mia, and you’re covering Sophie!’. My Mum was with me at the time, and we jumped up and down screaming for hours afterwards.”

Lily’s role is known as a “swing”, in which she has had to learn and perform every female ensemble role in the show plus cover the lead role of Sophie.

“Basically, if someone is injured, sick or can’t do the show for any reason, I have to be ready to jump into their spot on stage,” she explained.

“The notice can be from as long as the day before or sometimes even an hour before the show! It’s a crazy job, but I absolutely love the adrenaline of it all. There is never a dull moment.”

Lily, who grew up playing her parents’ CD albums of ABBA, counts herself lucky in what is a tough industry.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre at VCA, she admitted it “was very difficult to keep momentum going and spirits high when no theatres were open”.

“I was very lucky to land my first job in 2021, which was the return season of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

“My goal is to continue working in the music theatre/ theatre and film and TV industry for as long as I can and have a super diverse and interesting career.”

Originally from Adelaide before moving to Western Australia to study at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Lily now calls East Melbourne home, and said that she loved it.

“East Melbourne is magic! I seriously love it so much. The Fitzroy Gardens are just beautiful … and I’m always spoilt for choice with cafes and restaurants!” •