The Fame Reporter interviewed exquisite performer Lewis Francis. He is currently playing Sophie’s love interest Sky in the hit musical Mamma Mia the Musical. The show is currently playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until 30 July then it arrives at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC in Brisbane in August before finishing in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre from October.

We talked to Lewis about what enticed him to want to be apart of Mamma Mia, what he loves about Sky and his relationship with Sophie, his theatre and screen career and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Lewis. What was it that sparked your interest in performing initially?
My mum took me to a lot of community theatre at a young age and it always looked like so much fun. I just wanted to be up there with them singing and dancing! Then as I got older, I really started to appreciate the story telling aspect and I was totally inspired watching performers, true masters of their craft, be in full control and bring characters to life. It’s so moving and captivating!

Performing is a tough business, and it’s really hard to get into let alone to maintain as a full-time job. Therefore, it took me a while to take the plunge, quit my corporate job, and just go for it.

But seeing shows when they eventually came to NZ, like Phantom and Jersey Boys, reignited my love for theatre and performing.

I’ll never forget watching my first ever show on Broadway, The Colour Purple with Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson, it was just and incredible display of performance and black excellence.

What about Mamma Mia enticed you to want to be involved in this current production and what was your reaction when you found out you landed the role of Sky?
The music! Its timeless and the show is so much fun. Its also a very different style of performing for me, so I was excited for the challenge.

Coming from a classical singing background and doing shows like Jersey boys and Phantom of the Opera, this is such a different show for me.

When I found out I got the part I was surprised, and so excited! It’s my first role, and I felt so grateful for the opportunity!

What did you connect to when reading Sky’s narrative and character arc?
Sky and I are quite similar in the fact that we both come from a corporate background, but have left it to find something else that is more fulfilling. This is something that I connect with.

Sky has a lot of love to give, and this resonates with me.

What do you love about working with this multi-talented cast?
Oh god, where do I start! First, it is so much fun working with a talented cast. Their energy and skill they bring to the stage is infectious, and its actually incredible to witness and be a part of.

Secondly, it makes me want to work harder and strive to improve my craft. I’m honestly trying to keep up with them!

What do you admire about Sky and Sophie’s relationship?
I admire the love the have for each other. For a couple that is fairly young, they really don’t hold back on how much they love each other, which is think is so great.

To be that in love and to just go for it is really special. I also admire their love and care for their family on the island. There is a real sense of community, which is really important.

What do you think it is about ABBA’s music and the story of Mamma Mia that makes people want to return to this iconic show?
It’s just a beautiful simple story, with timeless music. The characters and the story have a lot of heart, and it’s so easy for audiences to connect with.

Mamma Mia lives in its own world, and it’s a chance to escape, have a bit of fun, and enjoy the music. No wonder it’s been running for 23 years on the West End.

What do you love about screen acting in comparison to stage acting?
Great question! They are two very different beasts, and I really do love them both for different reasons.

I like to think of screen acting as a really condensed, concentrated form of acting. It’s really intimate, and the camera is there observing a very private conversation on a very tight frame. Therefore, the smallest change of expression and / or breathe can read and have a huge impact.

I love the subtlety and the intimacy of working on screen.

Whereas on stage, you get a real-time reaction to what you’re creating and establishing in the moment.

The audience is there with you during live theatre while you take them on a journey. There is something really exhilarating about it.

You starred in multiple productions of Phantom of the Opera. What do you love about being a part of Phantom, and what are some of your future dreams?
Phantom of the Opera is such an iconic show. It was the first professional show I ever saw in NZ, and I knew from that moment that I wanted to perform.

So performing in two different productions was honestly a dream come true and a bit of a full-circle moment.

I love the music, and I would love to do this production again. It would be a dream to play the Phantom.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
This is a really hard question!! It would have to be Whitney Houston, Beyonce, and Alan Rickman.

Why should audiences come along and see Mamma Mia the Musical when it arrives at QPAC this time?
It is just so much fun! It’s a show with so much heart, and the music is iconic. The reaction we have been getting from the audience is just amazing!

It’s honestly just a big party and space where we can leave our busy lives and just have a bit of fun.

Lastly who or what inspires you?
Cynthia Erivo is a huge inspiration for me! The dedication she has to her craft and what she has achieved on stage and on screen is amazing! I would a career like hers. And her voice! Whoarrr!

Fame Reporter Word Play

Mamma Mia
Fun!

Dream collaborator
Parris Goebel

Phantom of the Opera
Iconic

Dressing Room necessity
A snack station

Bonnie and Clyde
Poor Ted Hinton

Greece
Ios!

Music
Love

Bridge to Terabithia
Omg haha

Unlimited show budget – what dream show would you do
Hercules! Or if there was a live action film.

Place you want to travel to
Egypt and Morocco

Favourite ABBA song
The Winner takes it all

Understudying
HARD WORK

Opera
Lush

Australian theatre scene
So much opportunity

TV Binge
Beef

Broadway
Yes please

The Book of Mormon
So much fun!!

Future dream
To move to London

Finally, favourite thing about performing
Working with creative talented people.