The Mamas & the Papas their original roles, Mackenzie Phillips taking Michelle Phillips' part and Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane of Spanky and Our Gang taking the part of Cass Elliot. Little progress was made until after Phillips had been sentenced and served his time in jail. The quartet began rehearsing in earnest and recording demos in the summer of 1981. Their first performances were in March 1982, when they were praised for their "verve and expertise", the "impressive precision" of the harmonies, and the "feeling ... of genuine celebration" on stage. The group toured the United States, including residencies in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, but
Mamas & Papas Mamas & Papas was described as the "UK's bestselling nursery brand". At this time they were expanding the number of their overseas outlets. In 2014, the business embarked on cost-cutting associated with a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). Store closures were considered but were avoided by the CVA. The private equity firm BlueGem Capital Partners took a majority share in Mamas & Papas in the summer of 2014, joining a portfolio that includes Liberty and Jack Wills. The company returned to profitability in 2015. In 2016, the rejuvenated retailer opened a 5,000 sq ft flagship store at Westfield London. Mamas &