Lily James admits she could never perform in stage production of Mamma Mia: ‘Those guys are so skilled’

Lily James has said that she couldn’t perform in the stage version of Mamma Mia as she’s not as “skilled” as West End performers.

The British rising star, 29, plays a younger version of Meryl Streep’s character Donna in the sequel to the 2008 smash hit, performing songs including I Have a Dream and The Name of the Game.

But despite an assured performance, James won’t be getting up on stage at the Novello Theatre anytime soon as she doesn’t think she’d have the stamina.

“I don’t think I could do it, I wouldn’t be able to do it,” she told the Standard. “We went and saw the stage production just before we started filming, it was kind of like a school trip and those guys are phenomenal, they do eight shows a week they are so skilled.

“I just don’t think I’d be able to do it. Even more with something like this they do matinees because it’s so popular.”

Having starred on the big screen in Darkest Hour and Baby Driver last year, James said she enjoyed starring in something that will get people up on their feet.

“I think it’s rare to be a part of something that does have people up on their feet standing, the only think I can think of that’s been the same is the football. If Mamma Mia can do that then it really is a blessing.”

The cast, which includes Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Amanda Seyfried, filmed on the island of Vis in Croatia.

“It’s amazing when you are on location the bond that is developed between the crew and cast and everyone really because you go and have a drink after work or you’re all living in the same space and you’re all experiencing something and going through something together so it’s really unique. I love it,” she said.

Seyfried, who reprises her role as Sophie in Here We Go Again, said that the timing is right for the new film as it will help to combat the doom and gloom in the news.

“The world is embarrassing place full of embarrassing people who make embarrassingly bad decisions, there are things we can do and we can also entertain each other and that’s our job,” she said. “Sad but I think this is perfect timing.”

The US actress said that she wasn’t concerned about critics’ reviews of the film and only cared that fans had a good time.

“We can be as flamboyant as we want and people won’t judge us. I feel like this movie isn’t for the critics, it’s not to get marks, it’s not to get a grade, it’s actually to make people get up on their feet and feel liberated,” she said.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is in UK cinemas from Friday.