We reviewed the current production of 'Mamma Mia' earlier in its run. This review is an updated version of a previously published one.
It's the show that makes all other jukebox musicals quake - and, unbelievably, Mamma Mia has been around for almost three decades and is still making audiences faces ache from over-smiling!
Whether you saw one of the the stage shows 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, most infectious, sing-a-long shows on the planet.
It 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, from the second you hear the overture (and I LOVE a good overture!) you can feel the goosebumps raise all over your body.
I'd go so far as to say that there is no better soundtrack for a jukebox musical. The music of ABBA epitomises almost every generation, whether you remember them from their prime, you've seen ABBA Voyage or you just love dancing to their songs at parties, the four-piece brought us some of the most emotive and most joy-filled songs to ever grace a CD player...and they're all in here to enjoy!
What's also pleasing to note is that the show steers very clear of the trap a lot of its contemporaries fall into. Many have a fantastic score but a very weak storyline to go with it, but alongside its musical prowess, Mamma Mia has a strong, funny, touching and well crafted book to match - Catherine Johnson has excelled herself.
The other element that makes this show such a huge success is the casting. Ashleigh Jones excels in one of the best female roles in theatre. Her version of Donna was sublime and, aided and abetted by her Dynamo's, Lauren Woolf 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. Jones' vocal choices meant she was a clear addition to the stable of Donna Sheridan's and even more so after a stunning rendition of 'The Winner Takes It All' which, for me, is always a stand-out moment in the show.
Between the three of them, they encompass every facet of what it's like to be living at a certain point in your life - be they a Donna (who's trying to navigate motherhood), a Tanya (who's trying to maintain her middle-class façade ) or a Rosie (who's trying to find herself and have a great time doing it) they represent 90% of the people in the room and that only enhances the endearing quality of this show...if only we were all doing it on a Greek island!
Hazel Baldwin gave a brilliant take on Sophie - a role I've seen portrayed by three different people previously in three different ways. Her delivery was perfect and, considering she's on stage almost solidly throughout the show, her energy and passion for the role never faltered. In fact, her stamina for the bows was easily as high as it was when the curtain rose which, for a show of this ferocity, is no mean feat!
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 repeat word for word and where 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 Wolverhampton audience.
Mamma Mia runs at Wolverhampton Grand until Saturday 7th November 2026. For more details, or to get your tickets visit grandtheatre.co.uk.
