Tanya Chesham-Leigh (born approx. 1958) is a supporting character in the musical Mamma Mia! as well its 2008 film adaptation and its 2018 sequel. Tanya is a rich three-time-divorcee and one of the three best friends. Tanya met Donna Sheridan along with Rosie Mulligan while attending the University of Oxford, and would later go on to form Donna and the Dynamos with them. In the first film she helps Donna prepare for Sophie's wedding, while at the same time she is courted by Sky's best man, Pepper.
Mamma Mia! (2008)[]
Tanya and Rosie being invited by Donna arrive on Kalokairi, and plan to help with Sophie's wedding. The three are bandmates and had a group called Donna and the Dynamo's. Tanya is shown to be a wealthy three-time divorcee, but she is not full of herself. Upon discovering that three of Donna's former lovers arrive on the island, she can not stand seeing Donna so unhappy. She convinces Rosie to lift her spirits and cheer her up.
She is later seen being pursued by Sky's right-hand man, Pepper. Despite their age difference and Tanya's rejections he does not stop trying to seduce her. After Sky and Sophie agree to call off the wedding, Sam and Donna get married. Tanya is later seen dancing with Pepper at the reception.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)[]
Flashbacks
During the 1970s, Tanya met and became friends with Donna during her studies at the University of Oxford. During this time the three women also formed their girl-band, Donna and the Dynamos. At University, it is likely that Rosie studied English Literature.
Rosie and Tanya graduate from New College, Oxford in 1979, with Donna and the three perform "When I Kissed the Teacher". Rosie encourages Donna to travel as she wanted to. Rosie and Tanya go on to follow their friend to the Greek island of Kalokairi, where they support Donna during her relationships with 'the three possible fathers' "Mamma Mia!". At this time, Rosie also meets a young Bill Anderson, who had began courting with Donna. Rosie becomes infatuated with him and somewhat jealous of Donna, yet remains loyal to her friend with support from Tanya and "copious amounts of cake".
Present Day
Five-years after the events of Mamma Mia!, Rosie, alongside Tanya, return to Kalokairi to support and guide Sophie Sheridan. She reveals to them that she is pregnant and is scared of having to manage the hotel and raise a child without her mother, Donna "Dancing Queen".
It is revealed at this time that Rosie and Bill had since split-up, due to Bill's wandering eye and the presence of a 'younger woman' "Angel Eyes". On her arrival, Rosie struggles to hold back tears whenever anybody mentions Donna's name. At the opening party of the Bella Donna, Rosie feels lonely and reflects on that she beliefs that Donna would have loved the party and would be proud of Sophie. Rosie proves her strength and stands up to Bill for his misdeeds yet eventually their shared grief over Donna's death brings the two together once again. Rosie later performs a tribute to her late friend Donna, singing "I've Been Waiting For You" with Sophie and Tanya. Nine months later, at Sophie's son's Baptism, Rosie and Bill are shown to be happy and in-love.
Personality[]
Tanya is fun, witty and energetic. She also loves men. She is seen liking Fernando Cienfuegos and his brother. She is also very kind to Sophie Sheridan.
Behind the Scenes[]
In the original London Cast of Mamma Mia! the stage-musical, Tanya is portrayed by Louise Plowright. In the 2008 film as well as its sequel, Tanya is portrayed by American actress, Christine Baranski. A young Tanya appears in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, portrayed by American actress, Jessica Keenan Wynn.
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