Mamma Mia! - Review by Alice Clemens

*** (3 Stars)

Novello Theatre, London - Tuesday 3 December, 2013

Set to the hugely successful music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! is advertised as “the ultimate feel-good musical” and it doesn’t disappoint!

On the eve of her wedding, Sophie Sheridan, who has grown up on a Greek island with her single mother Donna, finds herself with her three potential dads.

The set is simple: the taverna is made up of two separate set pieces that are moved to convincingly transport you to paradise.

The older members of the cast are incredible. The performances from Kim Ismay and Jane Milligan who play Donna’s previous bandmates Tanya and Rosie are eye wateringly hilarious. James Gaddas, Richard Trinder and Stephen McGlynn play Sophie’s potential fathers charmingly. But the stand out performance is from Dianne Pilkington who plays the stubborn and independent Donna Sheridan. Her portrayal of the character, aside from being original, is believable and vocally faultless and has the entire audience investing in it.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for some younger members of the cast. Sophie’s understudy Emily Dunn gave an underwhelming performance and where the older characters were so natural on stage, she, along with some of the other younger actors, including Oliver Tilney playing Sophie’s husband-to-be Sky were exactly the opposite. The vocals from both, are on the whole, flat and uninspiring.

Whilst some members of the ensemble stand out positively with eye-catching choreography, others stand out negatively for being over the top. However, by the time that the iconic platform boots and silver flared body suits come out, the audience is captivated by the obvious excitement the cast have to be performing the show.

The happiness is reflected by the entire audience (including the ushers), who are on their feet dancing and singing along by the end of the show. It is impossible to leave without smiling.

Mamma Mia! is currently playing at the Novello Theatre, London. Buy your tickets here: http://www.mamma-mia.com/london.asp