Last night, the Sands Theatre witnessed the grand premiere of Mamma Mia! and it left no audience member without a radiant smile on their face. Written by skilled British playwright Catherine Johnson and drawing inspiration from the iconic melodies of the Swedish sensation ABBA, this musical seamlessly fuses ABBA's timeless hits with a heartwarming narrative that many are undoubtedly acquainted with – a tale of a mother, a daughter, and the unexpected arrival of three fatherly figures on a picturesque Greek island.
The show commenced with the rising of the curtain in shades of Santorini blue. And from then on, it was an endless parade of dopamine boosts. Although the set was modest, it managed to achieve the perfect ambience of Greece, which may have unintentionally convinced a few audience members they were due for a holiday.
The musical featured several earworms and had patrons of all ages swaying to their irresistible melodies. And even though the iconic song Dancing Queen made multiple appearances throughout the show, the chance to sing along was never missed. Mamma Mia! is not your average happily-ever-after story either – humour was seen cleverly sprinkled throughout, with a pinch of suggestive cheekiness, thrown in for good measure.
Nevertheless, moments of vulnerability were allowed to shine. The musical thoughtfully explored the complexities of love and the value of embracing one's own flaws. Plus, it also discreetly wove in themes of love transcending age, along with LGBTQ+ representation.
Despite a whirlwind of events, the pacing of the performance was so laid-back that it felt as if you were an integral part of the unfolding narrative. In a world where practicality often overshadows passion, this production acts as a sparkling reminder to the unbridled joy found in spontaneity and love. Mamma Mia! isn't just a theatrical performance; it serves as a jubilant, shimmering invitation to cast aside your worries, a reminder that maybe everything will be A-OK.
Now all that's left to do is exclaim Gimme Gimme Gimme! those tickets and secure your booking right here.
