Ian Kelsey to Join Mamma Mia! The Party as Nikos in February 2025

The immersive theatrical sensation Mamma Mia! The Party has announced Ian Kelsey as the new Nikos, beginning 5 February 2025. Kelsey, an acclaimed actor with a celebrated television and stage career, will take over from Antony Costa, whose final performance was on 15 November 2024.

Kelsey is well-known for his roles in popular TV shows such as Coronation Street, Doctors, Casualty, Emmerdale, and Where the Heart Is. On stage, his credits include portraying Billy Flynn in Chicago (China Tour and UK productions), Danny in Grease (West End), Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde (Curve, Leicester), and Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption (UK tour).

Until Kelsey’s debut, Fed Zanni, who originated the role of Nikos when the show opened in London in 2019, has returned to reprise the part through 2 February 2025.

The current cast features Lucinda Lawrence as Kate, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah as Debbie, Inês Fernandez as Konstantina, Henryk Firth as Adam, Oscar Balmaseda as Fernando, Georgia Morgan as Nina, and Dawn Spence as Grandma. Bella is alternated by Allie Ho Chee and Rosie Rowlands. Swing performers include Kelly Aaron, Emanuel Alba, Claudia Bradley, Deschenes Graham, Robban Hogstrom, and Ollie Llewelyn-Williams. The live band comprises John Donovan, Luke Higgins, Luke Roberts, Steve Rushton, and Flo Blue.

This announcement comes during a banner year for ABBA enthusiasts, marking the 50th anniversary of the band’s Eurovision victory with “Waterloo” and the fifth anniversary of Mamma Mia! The Party in London. Created by Björn Ulvaeus, with an English book by Sandi Toksvig, the show transports audiences to Nikos’ vibrant taverna on the Greek island of Skopelos. As guests enjoy a four-course Greek feast, a lively story unfolds around them, set to the unforgettable hits of ABBA.

The production is co-directed and choreographed by Stacey Haynes and Roine Söderlundh. The creative team also includes Bengt Fröderberg (set design), Patrick Woodroffe (lighting design), Gareth Owen (sound design), Annsofi Nyberg (costume design), Robin Svensson (music supervision), and David Grindrod for Grindrod Burton Casting.

Mamma Mia! The Party continues to delight audiences at the O2 in London, with bookings open until 15 June 2025.