FOR Aine Curran, no two nights are the same in Mamma Mia.

The actress, from Streeton, is part of the hit show's lively young ensemble and as a 'swing', has learned all the female numbers. On some performances she plays one of the two best friends of Sophie, whose search for her father is at the heart of the much-loved musical.

"I love it because it means every show is different,"says Aine. "For a dancer, that keeps it interesting. You're not doing the same thing every night, as you do with acting. The Voulez Vous scene, for instance, is all partner work and I've had to learn it with seven different partners. It's a challenge to learn so much choreography. Our work starts once the show opens. It's live theatre, anything can happen. You must be prepared to take on other roles."

Set on a Greek island, Mamma Mia is a story of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of Abba. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she's never known brings her mother face-to-face with three men from her past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget. The smash hit show is one of only five musicals running for more than 10 years on Broadway and in the West End. The movie, starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan became the highest worldwide grossing live-action musical film ever.

"Lots of people come to the show having seen the film first, but it's a completely different experience in theatre," says Aine. "It's much more dynamic, with everyone enjoying the story and music together - and you hear these lovely Abba songs played by a live band, which you don't get very often. Some of these songs are very touching, they each fit the context in some way. Abba songs are very layered and so is the show - it appeals to people of different ages for different reasons. We get whole families coming along, from children to grandparents. The songs are so well known and it's nice to show them telling this story. I love hearing them performed this way."

Aine hadn't seen Mamma Mia when she landed a role in a touring production in Germany. "I feel privileged to be part of the Mamma Mia family, it's a dream for me," she says. "We have a great time on stage, the younger and older members of the cast all get on so well. I think that spirit and energy is so important in this show. These are dark times is many ways, and we need a bit of escapism at the theatre. It's fantastic to see audiences on their feet dancing and singing along every night, the show creates such an infectious energy."

With a sunkissed set and shimmering lights against shades of Mediterranean blue, the show has a feelgood holiday vibe. "Watching the show makes you want to go on holiday," I tell Aine. "Being in it feels like being on holiday!" she laughs.

Aine did amateur dramatics in Skipton as a child and went to DM Academy in Shipley and remains friends with principal Deana Morgan. Aged 17, Aine trained at the Hammond School in Chester. Her theatre credits include Ich War Noch Niemals In New York and One Night Only at the London Palladium.

Mamma Mia is a very 'full-on' show, and vocal and physical warm-ups are essential. "Donna gets more frazzled and stressed as the show goes on, and her energy is at the centre of it all - it spirals out to everyone else," says Aine. "We warm up before shows, but your body gets used to doing the same thing daily, so we mix it up with gm sessions too."

She adds: "It's great to be in Leeds for such a long run. It means I can go home and unpack my suitcase for once!"

* Mamma Mia is at Leeds Grand Theatre until July 8. Tickets are available at leedsgrandtheatre.com or on 0844 848 2700.