Mamma Mia!

Mamma mia, here I go again

My my, how can I resist you?

Mamma mia, does it show again?

My my, just how much I've missed you

Yes, I've been broken hearted

Blue since the day we parted

Why, why did I ever let you go

Mamma mia, now I really know

My my, I could never let you go

Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus

When I first arrived in London it was supposed to be temporary, live in a mega city and then move on! I was determined to see everything, do everything, go everywhere, experience everything London could throw at me – of course as anyone that has ever lived in a HUGE city you simply don’t, time, friends, work, stuff in general gets in the way and whilst I do immerse myself in the culture and life style of London, I still don’t take enough advantage.

This week I had a call from a friend who’d been given a couple of tickets for Mamma Mia at the Novello and would I like to come – apart from the fact this was an opportunity to sample some of London’s iconic cultural identity I’m actually a huge closet fan of Abba, it’s a but of a guilty pleasure but I love nothing more in the car that singing my heart out to Dancing Queen or Money, Money, Money, completely out of tune obviously but with a pleasure and passion second to none.

Of course, I said yes despite the more recent reviews talking about the tired format and weak cast, bollocks to that, it’s Abba!!

After the initial euphoria I was slightly sceptical about going, I’m a huge fan of the movie. I know it’s a bit of a Marmite movie, but I love Marmite as well. With the sequel coming out in July I didn’t want to sully my emotions, I needn’t have worried, my love of the whole concept remains intact and I’m looking forward to Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again even more, bring it on!!

So, if you’ve ever had thoughts of; Did you like/loath the movie, could it ever be reproduced on the stage, etc. please don’t let those reasons stop you from seeing this fabulous show, for it makes for an exciting escape to a Greek island filled with comedy, drama, fun and romance with the iconic soundtrack of Abba songs as the backdrop.

As a movie purist I was a tad surprised to discover the differences between the film and the stage show, for some of the order of the songs are in different places and there are some additional scenes with extra songs, but I enjoyed these differences, the fact it isn’t a carbon copy actually enhances the experience, there’s none of the…… “Oh, this is the bit where Pierce Brosnan confirms he can’t actually hold a tune to save his life”, etc.

Obviously, the soundtrack is one that you are bound to know at least half of, if not more, so whether you’re a fan of Abba or not, their music and lyrics tie-in so perfectly with this story, it’s hard not to love it, harder still not to sing along!

From the simple set, to the unpretentious costumes, through to the fabulous acting, the whole thing is an absolute triumph! The ending also becomes a real treat as the audience practically get transported to a “Donna and the Dynamos” concert, which leaves you no option other than to finally exercise those vocal chords and sing and dance along to some of the biggest hit songs – love, love, LOVED it!

Another thing I loved was the diversity of the audience which was probably one of the most varied I have seen in the west-end. There was a wide range of children, teenagers, adults and elders from all over the world, proving that this musical has something for everyone.

The cast were incredible, full of talent and executing their roles absolutely brilliantly. The highlights for me were probably Kate Graham as Tanya and Sara Poyzer as Donna, but in fairness they were all bloody brilliant. On reading the programme, I was surprised to learn that a lot of the cast were making their west end debut with this show, yet they seemed like they’ve been doing it forever and I sincerely hope they will go on to succeed in many other shows.

Overall, if you’re looking for high energy feel-good fun with loads of good laughs, Mamma Mia! is the show to see. I can’t see what there is to dislike about it and I’m sure you’re bound to leave singing the Abba back-catalogue and hungry for more of the Greek island adventure.

To all the hater critics, go and boil your head – you’re wrong!

What’s on today!

Head, Eyes & Teeth – Catwa Head, Rigged Eyes and teeth - Catya v3.2

Hair – RAMA.SALON - Maria Hair 'BLONDES PALE'

Skin – Amara Beauty - Anita - PACK A

Body, Hands & Feet – Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara V4.0

AO – [Body Language Sweet Lovely Cute] BENTO AO Kisetsu

Physics – Temptation – Maitreya Physics II 2018 Bento Realism Fatpack +

Shape – Elle et Lui SL Style, Sacha Shape for Catwa Bento Head Catya – Maitreya, (Adjusted)

Tattoo – [CAROL G] Nomadic Owl - Black

Bindi – ClarityMoon ~ StolenSun~Bindi

Rings – (Yummy) Free Spirit