Stephen John Davis’ career in musical theatre began in a production of Oh! What a Lovely War at St Michael’s Catholic High School in Garston and has culminated in a sparkling West End career that has included lead roles in Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, and now a small part in the smash hit Mamma Mia! He talks to Rosy Moorhead

Who do you play?

I’m in the ensemble and I also play Father Alexander, it’s quite a sweet little role. He performs the wedding that almost happens – spoiler – when things get interrupted left, right and centre and he hears things he probably shouldn’t hear as a vicar.

Were you a fan of the show before you were in it?

I can honestly say I’d never seen the show before I joined the cast. It wasn’t on my bucket list of shows to go and see but, having seen it with the old cast when I joined, you can’t help but be swept up in the joy of it.

Has it made you sick of ABBA songs?

Not sick of them, no, although there is a busker at Charing Cross who every so often throws in an ABBA song as I walk past – one day I may wrap the guitar round his head. But you can’t hate ABBA, they’re great songs.

What’s your favourite moment in the show?

There’s a song towards the end called Slipping Through My Fingers – I get so emotional watching it. It’s about seeing your daughter growing up and going off to do her own thing and remembering her as a little girl. One of my daughters is called Sophie like the lead character, and it really affects me.

What’s the dream role or show to be in?

I’ve kind of done them – with Phantom and Les Mis and now Mamma Mia! I’ve been in the three biggest shows you can get. But I’d love to be in the revival of Oh! What a Lovely War at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. That was the first show I ever did as a kid and it had a profound effect on me.

  • Stephen is in Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre, Aldwych, until June 2015. Details: 0844 482 5115, mamma-mia.com