ZURICH—A young British actor in the smash hit musical “Mamma Mia!” that’s coming to Manila in January is a childhood friend of Azkal heartthrob Phil Younghusband.

David Roberts, who plays Sky in the musical (the fiancé of Sophie) has known Phil and James Younghusband since they were about 11 years old in London. David and Phil and James played football together until the Younghusbands moved to Chelsea. In their teens, the two also hung out together.

In an interview with Inquirer Lifestyle in Zurich, where the musical is running this month before it moves to Manila, Roberts says he’s looking forward to meeting up with Phil again. Roberts knew the Younghusbands and their parents as they were growing up. He remembers Phil and James to be good in their sport.

“Phil is not only good, he is brilliant (at the game),” he said, adding he can’t wait to play soccer with Younghusband.

Sky, the role Roberts plays, is the fiancé of Sophie. The musical, anchored on the music of the world-famous ABBA, is about a young woman who thought of inviting three men in her mother’s life to her wedding, anxious to know who among them is her father. The musical has not only been a hit onstage worldwide, it has also been made into a movie.

The international tour cast is coming to Manila for performances at the CCP Main Theater starting Jan. 24.

It features 22 of ABBA’s hits including “Dancing Queen,” “Chiquitita,” “I Have a Dream,” “Take a Chance on Me.”