This is the international tour's only U.K. date this year. The production has previously been seen by over three million people in cities as diverse as Cape Town, Zurich, Dublin, Beijing, Taipei, Berlin, Paris, Lisbon, Pretoria, Dubai, Copenhagen, Tel Aviv, Riga, Shanghai, Helsinki, Bratislava, Prague, Glasgow and Budapest.

In a press statement, producer Judy Craymer said, "2008 was a phenomenal year for Mamma Mia!, and I am thrilled that 2009 will end on another high with this exclusive U.K. engagement."

Andrew Dixon, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, added, "It's great to see NewcastleGateshead on this international touring circuit for Mamma Mia! It's a great event for the cultural calendar and a compelling reason for visitors to choose NewcastleGateshead ahead of other destinations for a short break holiday."

The show, which first opened at London's Prince Edward Theatre in 1999 and subsequently transferred to its current home at the Prince of Wales, has been seen by over five million people in the West End, grossing over £185 million at the box office. Internationally, the show has been seen by over 32 million people in over 190 cities across North America, Australia, Europe and Asia.

With music and lyrics by Abba's Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch. The international tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal, Stage Entertainment and NGM.

To book tickets for its Newcastle run, which will go on sale to the general public March 16, contact the box office at 08444 93 6666 or visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk.