Matt Damon surprises Brisbane’s QPAC at MAMMA MIA! matinee

Hollywood heavyweight Matt Damon and his daughters have surprised the cast and audience at a matinee session of MAMMA MIA! The Musical.

Brisbane’s QPAC had a touch of Hollywood sparkle added to its Wednesday matinee session of MAMMA MIA! The Musical after Hollywood A-lister Matt Damon made a surprise appearance.

The Bourne actor, accompanied by his daughters, Isabella, 17, Gia, 14, and Stella, 12, seamlessly blended in with the crowd, enjoying the ABBA hits among other regular theatre goers.

Matt Damon and his daughters visiting the cast and crew of Mamma Mia! The Musical at Brisbane's QPAC. Photo: QPAC.

Etuate Lutui, who plays Eddie in the production, said Damon’s unexpected appearance caused quite the stir among the cast members.

“We found out right after our warm-up. Our company manager said ‘Just so you know, Matt Damon is in’,” he said.
“It was kind of crazy … I feel like we tried to pretend like we’re not freaking out.”
Elise McCann, who plays the lead, Donna, said Damon’s presence gave the cast an energy boost.
“It kind of put a bit of a pep in everyone’s step for the day because it was … really electric,” she said.

Matt Damon in Sideshow Alley at the Ekka. Photo – Mohammad Alfares

Post curtain-call, Damon wasn’t in any rush to leave. Instead, he celebrated the cast, dancing with his daughters and later taking a moment to commend the casts’ performances.
McCann recounted the actor’s glowing review, adding that he was incredibly kind and generous with his time.
“He just kept saying how awesome it was and how amazing the ensemble were, how hardworking they were,” she said.

The Damon girls were equally enamoured, immersing themselves in the spectacle of the musical.
“The girls were just loving it, they would say to Sarah (Krndija) who plays Sophie ‘We love you’,” McCann said.
Prior to the QPAC surprise, the Damon family were seen mingling at the Ekka on Tuesday, accompanied by Elsa Pataky, wife of Thor actor Chris Hemsworth and her children.

It seems the Queensland Royal Show has earned a spot in the Damon family’s calendar, according to the actor.

“I love it here … it’s turned into a family tradition. Shout out to everyone at the Ekka,” Damon gleefully shared on the event’s Twitter page.