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MAMMA MIA!

 
Pete Shaw Review by Pete Shaw 4 Published: 31 Jul 2024 Novello Theatre Show Dates: 1 Jan 2018-13 Mar 2027

Twenty-five years after it originally opened in London, Mamma Mia is still packing them in at the Novello Theatre, and it’s easy to see why.

An infectiously joyous night out

A story of a young girl’s quest to find out who her father is before she gets married is shoehorned around ABBA’s massive canon of hits in what has proved to be the most successful jukebox musical of all time.

Sophie lives on a Greek island with her mother, Donna. She has found her mum’s old diary, which gives her clues to the possible identity of her dad. She invites all three – pretending to be Donna – to her wedding. As the action plays out, any one of Bill, Sam or Harry could be Sophie’s father. At various points, Sophie is convinced she’s found the one; but we never actually learn the truth – and that doesn’t really matter anyway.

It’s easy to deride a show like Mamma Mia as just froth, but the truth is, it’s actually really good. Playwright Catherine Johnson has managed to fit the plot around the songs in a way that doesn’t feel hackneyed. And these are all songs that have slipped into our subconscious over the last 40 years, so it’s difficult not to be tapping your feet when Dancing Queen comes on. The set is simple but effective; the costumes sparkle; the vocals are first class, and the ensemble boys are prone to losing their tops. What’s not to love?

If you’ve dismissed Mamma Mia because you thought it a little trite, trust me – take a look. It’s an infectiously joyous night out and way better than you think.

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The Blurb:

Join the fun at MAMMA MIA, the world's sunniest, most exhilarating smash-hit musical! Since premiering in London's West End over 25 years ago, “the ultimate feel-good show” (Classic FM) has thrilled over 65 million people around the world. Fall in love with the irresistibly funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA's timeless songs. The worldwide phenomenon has now been turned into two record-breaking movies - MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again. Whatever age you are, you can't help but have the time of your life at this show. So book your MAMMA MIA tickets now!