MAMMA MIA! - Milton Keynes Theatre

Mamma Mia! is in Milton Keynes Theatre this week.  This gem of a musical with music from Abba’s back catalogue make this top of must-see shows.  It showcases all those fabulous Abba tunes that are the true star of the show – because who doesn’t love a bit of Abba?  The story is about Sophie, who is getting married but would like to know who her dad is before she gets married to work out who she is.  It’s a journey of discovery, love, laughter and friendship all set on an idyllic Greek island.

I love Abba.  My mum took me to see Abba when I was young, so it’s always featured in my life.  I know every word to every song including album tracks.  So, I can say confidently that this production is one of the best versions of Mamma Mia! I have ever seen.  The company feel tight; the choreography is excellent and the cast and deliver the humourous moments so well I was actually laughing out loud.

Jenn Griffin plays Donna and is a very natural Donna which makes her perfect for the role, right down to her curly hair! Jenn delivers an emotional performance.  She is funny, caring and just how you expect Donna to be!  Donna is supported by her two friends: Tanya played by Sarah Earnshaw and Rosie played by Lauren Woolf.  You couldn’t find two more opposite personalities than Tanya and Rosie, but these three friends used to be Donna and the Dynamos.  And for one night only (Sophie’s hen do) you are going to see that they are unstoppable!  Hazel Baldwin plays Sophie and has such a perfect demeanour for the role.  She is very believable in the role and instantly likeable.

The three potential dads are Harry played by Arvid Larsen, Bill played by Simon Victor and Sam played by Richard Taylor Woods.  They all give great performances.  Arvid playing Harry is fun and I really enjoyed him in Our Last Summer.  Bill played by Simon made me laugh throughout; I loved his emphasis on his Aussie accent and how he reacts to Rosie in Take A Chance On Me.  Sam played by Richard is amazing.  I really felt his reluctance to be there and face up to what happened 21 years ago.

I have seen this show many times so have some favourite scenes.  Slipping Through My Fingers is a heart-rending song about your children growing up.  The words are poignant and it is perfectly placed in the show.  It actually made me cry.  This is the first time I have seen the show since I lost my mum, who always said this song was about me.  But it’s really about every parent watching their children grow up.

‘What happened to the wonderful adventuresThe places I had planned for us to go?

Well, some of that we did, but most we didn'tAnd why, I just don't know’

The opening scene in Act Two is another outstanding number as Sophie has a nightmare about who will give her away at her wedding.  It’s interesting as Under Attack isn’t one of the obvious Abba hits but the scene is very memorable and very well executed.  I love Lay All Your Love On Me is set during Skye’s stag do.  All his friends are in scuba gear and dancing which is comical, memorable and quite a talent too.

Mamma Mia! is a star in the world of feel-good musicals.  Its toe-tapping-singalong-arm-waving Abba songs make it one not to miss.  So, if you have a hole in your soul, if you want to take a chance (on me) and if you have a dream – that dream is go see Mamma Mia!  Its not Vegas or Monaco, it's right here in Milton Keynes this week!

Mamma Mia! is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 24 October.