Like with Lion King and Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia is one of those shows that I was late to the party to. I generally enjoy jukebox musicals, but I don’t consider myself a huge ABBA fan and so had been skeptical about seeing a whole show built around their songs, so for a long time it just didn’t grab me as one I wanted to see.. That being said, when a musical is celebrating its 20th anniversary on the West End, it must be doing something right, and I’m trying to stick to my resolution to see shows that are new to me when I can. As I learned after seeing Hamilton, it’s a lovely thing to have your mind changed for the better about a show; I saw Mamma Mia for the first time back in April last year, and have gone back twice more since so far, the most recent  visit being back in May. Now I’ve seen it three times, I wanted to write this little piece on how and why the show has found its way into my heart.

It’s the day before Sophie Sheridan’s wedding, and she’s invited her dad to give her away. Trouble is, Sophie’s dad is one of her mother Donna’s three old flames: Sam, Bill or Harry! Determined to find out who she is and where she belongs, Sophie takes matters into her own hands, and invites all three of them to the island…

The day I first saw Mamma Mia got off to a really sour start. I’d got the train from home in Bristol to Paddington as usual, then myself and my friend Rachel decided to hop in a cab. So far, so good, although the driver had tried to manhandle my chair a bit too much. The problem started when we arrived – I always have a tough time reversing out of taxis: I can’t see where I’m going, it’s a tight space with those fold up seats making it even worse and drivers attitudes can vary pretty drastically. I could feel and sense he was losing patience really quickly as I struggled to reverse out – huffing and tutting and so on. We made it eventually – but when I got onto the kerb, he was really angry and abusive. Where he’d manhandled my chair to try and get me out whilst I was trying to steer, the carpet had come up (but was easily pushed back down) and he also said I’d torn the fabric off the folded seat, which I hadn’t. He insisted he was unable to work for the rest of the day, demanded extra money on top of the fare, threatened me with court and called the police on us. Wanting purely to get away as I was feeling really scared and vulnerable, we paid and after taking the details we could, set off to the theatre…

Mamma Mia was the perfect tonic after a nightmare journey: it’s lively, sweet and doesn’t take itself too seriously, and my cold, predisposed to dislike ABBA’s heart has been thoroughly warmed. It’s impossible not to get swept up along by everyone’s energy and enthusiasm and I always leave feeling happier and lighter; that’s sometimes all I need and want from my theatre. I feel like this show came into my life just when I needed it – I’m stuck in a bit of a rut for a whole host of reasons and booking this one simply makes me feel better: I smile pretty much from beginning to end. I love how versatile the set is and how it conjures up the feel of Greece so simply and easily, helped by minimal props and lighting. I’ve read elsewhere that it perhaps feels a bit “dated”, but judging by the audience reaction each time I’ve gone, everyone’s been enjoying the ride too much to care, me included! I’d also go further and say that every long runner could be described as such in my opinion, and  so it’s the cast and their performances that keep things feeling fresh and exciting!

That in mind, I’m very grateful for the performers I have come to know and love thanks to Mamma Mia. Sara Poyzer has been brilliant as my orignal Donna, I really enjoyed the sense of strength she has given the character, and always looked forward to an amazing vocal!

I will miss Kate Graham’s sassy and witty take on Tanya immensely. She’d always draw my eye in scenes and I loved seeing how she reacted to certain things, she made me laugh and was always a joy to watch!

I’ve also fallen head over wheels for Ricky Butt as Rosie, who cracks me up even with the smallest of gestures. I’m delighted she’s staying on in the role, and look forward to continuing to support her with the arrival of a new cast, who start next week! My original Dynamos had wonderful chemistry and I loved watching them interact – Dancing Queen was always my favourite on that front.

I consider myself very lucky to have seen three very different Sophie’s thus far in my time as a fan of the show – Georgina Castle, Charlotte O’Rourke and Lucy May Barker. Lucy has been the biggest surprise so far in that the last time I saw her onstage prior to here was as Joanna in Sweeney Todd – a completely different kind of character and singing style! Lucy’s take on Sophie is sassy and sweet, and at times, particularly in scenes with Donna brings a sense of headstrong willfulness to the part. Her reactions reminded me so much of how I could be with my parents back when I was in my twenties, especially if my mum wound me up!

I’ve also been lucky enough to see two different Sky’s, first up was Oli Reynolds, who was understudy for the role at the time, then Alec Porter on subsequent  trips. It’s been really fun watching the Sky have a different Sophie each visit as I felt Alec changed things up ever so slightly and it made things more exciting.

Stephen Beckett has been an absolute joy thus far as Bill, awkward, witty and adorable in equal measure, Mark Isherwood and Neil Moors have been wonderful Harrys. Without doubt though, my heart belongs to Richard Trinder as Sam: I think he’s phenomenal and brings so much depth and emotion to the role. SOS is always my highlight, as I love hearing he and Sara harmonize and I really love how palpable their chemistry is!

I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on opposite Mazz Murray when she returns to the island soon…

The choreography is the other big reason I love this show: it’s such high energy and fun to watch, especially during Voulez Vous and Does Your Mother Know? 

 

Put together with some of ABBA’s greatest hits, the show has definitely found its place in my heart; so much so I saw the film afterwards for the first time and really didn’t take to it at all, I’d rather keep heading back to the Novello for my Mamma Mia fix!