Some shows stay with you long after the curtain comes down, and Mamma Mia! is one of them.
I’ve seen this musical many times over the years, and it used to be a special trip to the theatre with my Mum and sister. Having lost my Mum a few years ago, returning to this production was always going to be a mixture of emotions. But one thing is certain: I absolutely LOVE this musical, and from the moment the show began, I don’t think the smile left my face. Well, apart from one particularly emotional moment, but more on that later!
The Story Behind the Magic
The UK and International Tour of Mamma Mia! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar, in association with Universal and NGM. Featuring music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with some songs also featuring lyrics by Stig Anderson, the production is directed by Phyllida Lloyd, with a book by Catherine Johnson.
Set on a beautiful Greek island, Mamma Mia! follows Sophie Sheridan, a young woman about to get married who dreams of having her father walk her down the aisle. There’s just one little problem: she doesn’t know who he is! After discovering her mum Donna’s old diary, Sophie secretly invites three men from Donna’s past to the island, hoping to uncover the truth before her big day. What follows is a wonderfully chaotic mix of unexpected reunions, old flames, friendship, family secrets and plenty of laughter. It’s a story about love in all its forms, the bonds between mothers and daughters, and embracing whatever life throws at you. And, of course, it’s all wrapped up in some of ABBA’s most iconic songs.
A Greek Island Dream
The set is wonderfully simple, and that’s precisely what makes it work so well. With clever staging, atmospheric lighting and the right touches of Mediterranean charm, you genuinely feel as though you’ve stepped into a Greek taverna. The lighting and ambience absolutely nail that sun-soaked island feeling, creating the perfect backdrop for the story without ever distracting from what really matters: the music and the people bringing it to life.
It’s a great reminder that you don’t need an overly complicated set to create theatrical magic. The production lets the story unfold naturally, transporting you to Donna’s little corner of Greece while keeping the energy, humour and heart of the show firmly centre stage.
Thank You for the Music!
Let’s be honest, though. Mamma Mia! is all about the songs of ABBA, and the musical arrangements in this production are nothing short of phenomenal. The band, under the musical direction of Carlton Edwards, was absolutely INSANE. Every note, every beat and every arrangement helped bring these legendary songs to life, and the delivery throughout was spectacular.
There’s something about hearing ABBA’s music performed live that reminds you just how extraordinary they were. Hit after hit, each song brings its own memories, energy and emotion, and the audience is treated to one brilliant number after another. Whether you’re a lifelong ABBA fan or simply love a feel-good night at the theatre, it’s impossible not to get swept up in it all.
And then came The Winner Takes It All.
Jenn Griffin, who plays Donna Sheridan, delivered a performance that gave me genuine goosebumps. It was powerful, raw and beautifully controlled, with an emotional depth that stopped me in my tracks. Honestly, it was one of the best solo performances I think I’ve ever heard at the theatre. There are moments when a performer completely owns a song, and this was undoubtedly one of them. Absolutely outstanding.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Mamma Mia! without those songs that have you wanting to get up and dance in the aisles. The music is infectious, the energy is relentless, and by the end, you’re reminded exactly why these songs have stood the test of time. Just remember to save your dancing until the very end! When the time comes to get up on your feet, you won’t be able to resist. ABBA will never go out of fashion!
A Cast That Absolutely Delivers
Jenn Griffin is outstanding as Donna Sheridan. She brings so much heart, warmth and personality to the role, balancing Donna’s independent spirit and quick wit with the vulnerability of a mother facing the prospect of her daughter leaving home. Griffin makes the character feel completely real, and her vocal performance is simply exceptional. She’s a joy to watch, and her emotional moments land just as beautifully as her comedic ones.
Sarah Earnshaw as Tanya is another absolute highlight. Anyone familiar with Mamma Mia! will know that Tanya is a character who needs a performer with impeccable comic timing, confidence and plenty of personality, and Earnshaw knocks it out of the park. She’s funny, sophisticated and a woman who knows exactly who she is. Every appearance brings a little extra sparkle, and she has that effortless ability to make a character completely her own.
Hazel Baldwin is fantastic as Sophie Sheridan, bringing youthful energy, warmth and a lovely sense of sincerity to the role. Her voice is incredible, and she captures Sophie’s excitement, uncertainty and determination beautifully. You really root for her as she tries to piece together her family history while preparing for her wedding. Her relationship with Donna is at the heart of the story, and Baldwin helps make that connection feel genuinely touching.
Then there are the three potential dads: Sam (Richard Taylor Woods), Harry (Arvid Larsen) and Bill (Simon Victor). All three play their parts superbly, each bringing their own personality, charm and humour to the story. Their interactions with Donna, and with one another, add plenty of comedy and nostalgia, while their shared history with her gives the production another layer of heart.
With such a large cast, it’s genuinely difficult to single everyone out individually, and that’s a testament to just how well this company works together. Every performer plays their part in making the production feel cohesive, energetic and completely engaging. From the big ensemble numbers to the quieter, more personal moments, there’s a real sense of teamwork on stage. This is a cast that understands exactly what makes Mamma Mia! so special, and together they deliver a sensational show.
A Little Bit of Emotion Among All the Fun
I promised to come back to Slipping Through My Fingers, and here’s where things got a little emotional for me.
The song explores the bittersweet feeling of watching your child grow up and realising just how quickly those precious years pass. It’s already a beautiful, moving number, but having seen Mamma Mia! so many times with my Mum, it hit differently this time around. Losing her a few years ago meant the song brought back a whole mix of memories, and yes, a tear slipped from my eye.
But that’s part of the magic of theatre, isn’t it? The way a familiar song, a few lines or a particular moment can take you somewhere unexpected. For all its fun, laughter and dancing, Mamma Mia! has a real emotional heart. It celebrates family, friendship, love and the memories we carry with us, and that made this performance all the more special.
And before you worry that this is turning into a tearjerker of a review, fear not! Those emotions were very much the exception in an evening that had me grinning from ear to ear.
The Verdict: You Can't Miss It!
Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good musical. It’s the perfect couple of hours at the theatre, packed with laughter, brilliant performances, spectacular vocals and a soundtrack that simply never gets old. It reminds you to have fun, embrace the moment and not take life too seriously.
I walked away wanting to see it all over again and, more importantly, book a night out dancing! There’s something wonderfully uplifting about a show that leaves you feeling this happy, and this production is a perfect reminder of why live theatre is so special.
So, thank you for the music, ABBA. Thank you for the memories. And thank you to this wonderful cast for delivering such a fantastic production.
Whether you’ve seen Mamma Mia! countless times like me or you’re yet to experience the magic, this is an absolute MUST-SEE. It has all your favourite ABBA hits rolled into one unforgettable show, and you’d be mad to miss it.
Now, where did I put my flares? It’s time to dust them off, strike that iconic ABBA pose and get dancing! Mamma Mia! Here we go again!
