Last night I was transported to a tiny Greek Island and I’ve never been so happy. Mamma Mia The Musical has landed at Birmingham Hippodrome (until May 14th 2022) and it is a real feel-good musical.
Sometimes you can find a juke-box musical tries to put so many songs in, that the plot line is lost. But not with Mamma Mia. The plot was strong, the acting brilliant and the musical numbers absolutely phenomenal. The casting for this UK Tour is incredibly strong. Quite possibly the strongest casting for Mamma Mia to date. The stage design was simple and yet so effective. Instantly transported to a new room/scene and the lighting deserves a shout out. The exact timing for the lights to flash on certain notes and scenes was great.
I sat in the audience wondering why I didn’t do stage school as I SO wanted to be on that stage. The energy, the talent, the joy that emanated from the stage.
In case you are unaware of the story line, Sophie Sheridan (Jena Pandya) is getting married to her boyfriend Sky (Toby Miles). Sophie has grown up without her Dad. Her mum Donna (Sara Poyzer) had got pregnant and when disowned by her mother, moved to the tiny Greek Island to start her life there. Donna doesn’t know who Sophie’s father is, she fell pregnant during the height of her time as a pop star. Sophie discovers she has three potential fathers and secretly invites them all to her wedding, pretending the invitations are from her Mother. All three men arrive on the Greek Island the day before the wedding. Sam (Richard Standing), Harry (Daniel Crowder) and Bill (Phil Corbitt). What happens next? You will have to get tickets to see the show.
Jena Pandya plays the lead role and is tremendous. Her vocals are astounding (such a beautiful voice that hit every single note) and her energy and stage presence make her whole performance phenomenal. One of the most talented actresses I have seen in my 4 years of theatre reviewing. Another firm favourite for me was Helen Anker who plays the role of Tanya. Tanya is Donnas best friend along with Rosie (Nicky Swift) – a fabulous comedy trio who make you laugh constantly. I hope as I get older, my friendship groups are like those. Helen Anker has remarkable talent. A voice that makes you stop in your tracks, my favourite being her performance of Does Your Mother Know, where we enjoyed on stage comedy with her performance with Pepper (James Willoughby Moore). Pepper plays the role of Sky’s cheeky and rather randy friend who has taken a real shine for Tanya.
Richard Standing who plays Sam had the people behind me crying during his rendition of S.O.S. His vocals were strong and I thought the on stage chemistry with Donna (Sara Poyzer) was special – it is only when writing this review, I’ve discovered they are husband and wife on tour together. How magical must that be.
I am unable to fault any cast member or ensemble. Everyone was perfect, making this a truly superb show.
If you would like to watch a show which has you still smiling the next day – then this is the one for you.
A sensational show that everyone should see.
Do I think you should buy tickets to see this show? I do, I do, I do, I do, I do.
Buy your tickets here: Birmingham Hippodrome
Disclaimer: I was invited along to the media night. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.