We reviewed the current production of 'Mamma Mia!' earlier in its run. This review is an updated version of a previously published one.

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 more than two decades and is still making audience faces ache from over-smiling!

Having just undergone a cast change, Wolverhampton is the first stop for the new residents of Kalokairi as they bring their own brand of excitement to the West Midlands.

Whether you saw the stage show first, or were taken in by either of 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 arguably 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 goose bumps raise all over your body.

I was absolutely mesmerised by the tour when it stopped off in Birmingham earlier this year and the cast on stage blew me away with their performance. I had everything crossed that this new group would bring the same level of camp, musical hilarity to Wolverhampton...and that's exactly what we got this evening!

Mamma Mia! is a jukebox show, and unashamedly so. What's pleasing to note, however is that the show steers very clear of the trap a lot of its peers fall into. Many have a fantastic score but a very weak storyline to go with it. Mamma Mia! is a strong, funny, touching and well crafted book alongside an equally brilliant selection of songs that span the career of an iconic pop group.

The other element that makes this show such a huge success is the casting. Sara Poyzer was nothing short of outstanding first time round and, like a fine wine, her performance just keeps getting stronger.

This show has been part of Poyzer's life for a number of years now but clearly she isn't tiring of it! Her vocals remain astonishing and her chemistry with Jess Michelmore, who plays her daughter, Sophie was palpable. I’ve seen performances by a good number of strong women in that role over the years - from Meryl Streep to Mazz Murray - and Poyzer easily ranks amongst the best.

In fact, talking of Jess, can we also take a moment to celebrate a simply outstanding young talent? Commanding the stage like she owns the taverna, her confidence and star quality is there for all to see. It’s a bonus that this tour takes in a handful of international dates because we’ve managed to find someone who encapsulates the character of Sophie so perfectly to represent the best of British theatre on our behalf.

Donna, however, is nothing without her Dynamo's and Sarah Earnshaw and Nicky Swift, alongside Poyzer, quite possibly make the best trio the production has seen to date. They own the roles and look like they'd been friends for decades, such was the bond between them. Earnshaw in particular has already proven her pedigree as a phenomenal comic actor with roles like Betty Spencer, the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot and Glinda in Wicked - and her effortless nature shone on stage this evening.

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. 

If you go and see anything this Summer, then Mamma Mia is absolutely the 'name of the game'. Sorry!

Mamma Mia runs at Wolverhampton Grand until Saturday 28th January 2023. For more details, or to get your tickets visit grandtheatre.co.uk.