Whenever I think of Mamma Mia, it still falls into the category of 'new musical', so it's mind blowing to think it's been around for almost three decades and is still making audiences faces ache from over-smiling!
Whether you saw the stage show first, or were taken in by the films, Mamma Mia is one of the biggest crowd pleasers on the UK musical circuit. It first toured four years ago to riotous reviews and, on the face of it, is the feel-good show that we all need right now. In fact, Mamma Mia is one of the most popular, disco-filled, infectious, sing-a-long shows playing anywhere 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!
What's also refreshing is that Mamma Mia features strong female characters and celebrates the love of a family raised single-handedly by a mother. Set against a soundtrack which is unquestionably a crowd pleaser, the show is an absolute smash hit from the moment the overture begins. In fact, the second you hear the opening bars to the title track, you can feel the goosebumps raise all over your body.
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 weak storyline to go with it, a failing that this production 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. Jenn Griffin more than proved her acting prowess this evening as Donna. Her vocals were on point and her timing and delivery was exceptional. Aided and abetted by her Dynamo's, Rosie Glossop and Sarah Earnshaw, they owned the roles and looked like they'd been friends for decades, such was the bond between them.
I’ve seen performances by a good number of strong women in that role over the years - from Meryl Streep to Mazz Murray - but Griffin was the first I've seen who brought a different slant to Donna. Her vocal choices and decision to give us a more contemplative version of the character was welcome.
However for me, Lydia Hunt stole the show with her take on Sophie. Bringing a youthful simplicity to the role, 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. She also has a beautiful singing voice and, clearly, an exceptional career ahead of her.
Mamma Mia is undoubtedly 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.
Put quite simply, this show is just a really great piece of theatre. Whether you're a die-hard aficionado or just a really big fan of ABBA, it's a phenomenal night out with all the heartfelt storyline, platform boots and lycra you could ever need!
Mamma Mia runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 30th May 2026. For more details, or to get your tickets visit birminghamhippodrome.com.
