Whenever I think of Mamma Mia, it always falls into the category of 'new musical', so it's mind blowing to think it's been around for almost two decades and is still making audience faces ache from over-smiling!
Whether you first saw the stage show, or were taken in by the 2008 film (or maybe you're waiting for the sequel!) Mamma Mia is one of the biggest crowd pleasers on the UK musical circuit, visiting Wolverhampton as part of it's first ever UK tour. Be under no illusion - the show may have a simple two piece set that revolves to form various rooms and courtyards, but it's no small fry. Mamma Mia is one of the most popular, disco-filled, infectious, sing-a-long shows playing at the moment.
The show tells the story of Sophie Sheridan, who lives with her mother, Donna, on a beautiful Greek island. Sophie's getting married and wants to invite her father to the wedding - the only problem is, that father could be one of three men. So, to her mothers eventual horror, she invites all three to the island!
Set against a soundtrack which is unquestionably a crowd pleaser, Mamma Mia is an absolute smash from the moment the overture begins.
There seems to be a trend at the moment for big West End shows to tour the UK. With Miss Saigon, Wicked and Matilda taking to stages around the country, it's the ideal time to immerse yourself in something the British do so well; and Mamma Mia has absolutely proven itself this evening.
What's pleasing to note is that the show steers very clear of the trap a lot of 'jukebox' style musicals - and Mamma Mia is very much a jukebox show, and unashamedly so - fall into. Many have a fantastic score but a very week storyline to go with it, a failing that this crowd pleaser steers clear of. Mamma Mia is a strong, funny, touching and well rafted book alongside an equally brilliant selection of songs that span the iconic pop groups career.
The other element that makes this show such a huge success is the casting. Helen Hobson more than proved her acting prowess this evening as Donna. Admittedly her vocals weren't the best in the cast, but her timing and delivery more than made up for that. Rebecca Seale more than stepped up to the plate as Rosie, having been drafted in as understudy - in my honest opinion, she owned the role throughout.
However, for me, Lucy May Barker was the stand out performance of the evening. Bringing a youthful simplicity to the role of Sophie, her delivery was perfect and, considering she's on stage almost solidly throughout the show, her energy and passion for the role never wained. Her stamina for the bows was as high as when she opened the night as the curtain rose. A more than enjoyable performance.
Mamma Mia is undoubtably a show that makes you want to get up and dance through the aisles. Rarely in this day and age do you get to watch a musical that has a soundtrack you can (almost!) repeat word for word. When every song is the 'big' song, it gives you a unique chance to focus on the action on stage, something that was very much appreciated by the assembled crowd.
If you go and see anything this side of the Summer, then Mamma Mia is absolutely the 'name of the game'. Sorry...I had to!
Mamma Mia runs at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre until Saturday 24th February 2018. For more details, check grandtheatre.co.uk.
