Mamma Mia!
Novello Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 4th January 2013 (Evening Performance)
"Inspired by ABBA, Mamma Mia is an enchanting tale of family and friendship, set on a Greek Island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past to the island they last visited 20 years ago…"
With a talented cast, a light hearted story and great music, Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel good musical. While sometimes jukebox musicals can lack depth and meaning, Mamma Mia actually has some moments which can arguably be described as heart-warming and endearing. One of the main reasons Mamma Mia has been (and still is) so successful is because there really is something for everyone.
After 8 years at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Mamma Mia! seems to have settled in well to its new home at the Novello Theatre. My only complaint is with the sound. Throughout the show the orchestra (who were wonderful) drowned out the singing. I am sure this is a problem which will be resolved soon.
Helen Hobson, who recently returned to the musical taking over from Sally Ann Triplett, leads the cast well as Donna Sheridan. At first I felt she was holding back too much but all was forgiven when she let loose and poured her heart out during her powerful rendition of The Winner Takes It All which left many audience members open mouthed. She was terrific.
Emma Crossley gave an effortless performance as Sophie Sheridan and as always Kim Ismay and Joanna Monro were outrageously funny as Tanya and Rosie. You would not know they have been playing the parts on and off for years as they seemed to be having so much fun, I felt like I was watching their very first performance.
Sometimes when watching a jukebox musical it can feel like songs have just been slotted in for the sake of it. However, as I sat in my seat at the Novello Theatre, I was amazed to listen to ABBA's lyrics and discover how the majority of them complimented the story.
If you want an evening full of fun, laughter and pure delight then without a doubt Mamma Mia! is the show for you. (Just please do not sit there loudly narrating the entire story to your wife, as the extremely irritating man next to me felt the need to do from beginning to end.)
Please visit www.mamma-mia.com for more information and to book tickets.
Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Photo Credit: Brinkhoff and Mögenburg
Follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest theatre news, reviews and interviews: @West_End_Frame
No comments:
Post a Comment