The smash-hit stage show, which has been seen by a whopping 70 million people worldwide, is entertaining audiences in Swansea until January 24
It is quite simply a worldwide theatre phenomenon. Seen by a whopping 70 million people over the last 27 years, across a remarkable 450 cities, Mamma Mia! has unquestionably earned its place at the top table of musicals in the theatre scene.
And across 12 days, it is Swansea Building Society Arena which is currently playing host to the smash-hit stage show, based on the timeless songs of Swedish four-piece ABBA.
After a tannoy warning that “platform boots and white lycra feature in the production”, the audience were introduced to a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, soon meeting the character of Sophie (Lydia Hunt), following her quest to discover the father she’s never known. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here.
In a “horrible trick of fate”, it brings her mother, Donna Sheridan, (played on the evening by Ashleigh Jones, understudy to Jenn Griffin) face to face with three men from her distant romantic past, each vastly different personalities.
She meets Harry Bright (Richard Meek), Bill Austin (Mark Goldthorp) and Sam Carmichael (Luke Jasztal), all on the eve of a wedding that none of them will ever forget, as Sophie tries to discover which one is her long-lost dad.
Plenty of comedy follows, and the chemistry between the three would-be dads and both Sophie, and Donna, is charming, and delivered with plenty of genuine warmth throughout the show.
The characters of Tanya (Sarah Earnshaw), and Rosie (Rosie Glossop) also offer plenty of laughs in their scenes with Donna as they discuss her dilemma, and the three of them give a great rendition of Supertrooper in glittering gladrags, a standout moment in the first half.
The backdrop is a simple, but effective, ripple of blue waves, with scenes staged within a typically Greek white, stonewashed building seamlessly transporting audiences to the island of Skopelos – or Kalokairi, as it is fictionally known, where former singer Donna runs a hotel.
Whether you’re a fan of their music or not, there are certain bands in music history which cannot be denied, and ABBA are one of them. The star of the show, of course, is their music, and one of the big takeaways from a night watching the production is a reminder of just how many massive hits the band has in their arsenal.
The jukebox-like performance showcases an incredible 22 of their songs, all of which are instantly recognisable, and clearly beloved, based on the sounds of the voices of surrounding audience members singing along to every word throughout the show.
Whilst I won’t list them all here, mega fans of the band who haven’t seen the show before can be assured that they will not be disappointed, with renditions of Dancing Queen, Thank You For The Music, Lay All Your Love On Me and SOS just a few of the best received performances on the night. It all reaches a crescendo with a high-energy finish to send the crowd home happy.
Mamma Mia! is a show with plenty of heart, nostalgia, friendship and classic hits that is well worth two and a half hours of your afternoon or evening. It is on at Swansea Building Society Arena until Saturday, January 24. Tickets start from £19.50.
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