Mamma Mia
Novello Theatre
Reviewed Friday 10th January 2014
Mamma Mia is quite simply one of the most underrated shows in the West End. Jukebox musicals are sometimes pushed aside, but as Mamma Mia prepares to celebrate its fifteenth anniversary it remains smooth, slick and hugely uplifting.
Why has Mamma Mia stood the test of time? Quite simply because its formula is utter genius. As I looked around the Novello Theatre I saw families, friends on girls nights out, married couples, young couples and teenagers, and everybody - from the men who had been dragged along by their wives, to the five year old boy sat next to me who knew every lyric of every song - seemed to be having the time of their lives. There is a character for everyone to relate to, nobody is excluded or left out and, as cheesy as it is at times, you can't help but get behind the story and jump to your feet at the end for the epic finale.
As 54 million people have seen Mamma Mia wordwide, and one in four households own a copy of the film adaptation, the story needs absolutely no introduction. Last year the show underwent its biggest ever cast change which really has given the show a fresh new vibe. The entire cast were on fire and brought the stage alive during the big cast numbers. Mamma Mia shows no sign of feeling dated
Emma Crossley, who has the most stunning voice, recently took over as Sophie and it was great to see how she has grown into the role. Crossley stars opposite Oliver Tilney as Sky who immediately had the audience on side and the hen parties screaming and wolf whistling. The pair have mastered their chemistry and in amongst the lycra madness have found the sincerity in Sophie and Sky's relationship. Kim Ismay, who has played Tanya for several years, continues to leave the audience in fits of laughter. Dawn Buckland (understudy) also gave a masterclass in comedy as Rosie. Ismay and Buckland appeared to enjoy every moment which really rubbed off on the adoring audience.
West End regular Dianne Pilkington recently joined the production as Donna Sheridan and her casting is a dream. Pilkington finds the comedy whilst staying true to Donna's emotional state of mind. Her on-stage chemistry with Ismay and Buckland was sensational and she also appeared to be having the time of her life.
During the second act Donna takes centre stage and Pilkington's rendition of 'The Winner Takes It All' was astonishingly brilliant. Having seen the show a couple of times before, I arrived at the Novello expecting to have tremendous fun, but I was not expecting to be deeply moved. The song is a perfect fit for Pilkington's voice as it pushes her vocally, allowing her to pour out her heart and soul into every line. Is there anything she can't do?!
Mamma Mia is one of the few West End shows I would recommend to almost anyone. Abba's music is actually very theatrical and the numbers slot into the show perfectly, rarely feeling overly forced.
If you want an evening full of fun, laughter and pure delight then, without a doubt, Mamma Mia is the show for you. Plus, most importantly, as its set on a Greek island Mamma Mia provides some much needed sunshine!
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
If you want an evening full of fun, laughter and pure delight then, without a doubt, Mamma Mia is the show for you. Plus, most importantly, as its set on a Greek island Mamma Mia provides some much needed sunshine!
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
Mamma Mia is booking at the Novello Theatre until Saturday 4th October 2014.
Click here to book tickets.
Read West End Frame's interviews with cast members Dianne Pilkington, Oliver Tilney and Dickie Wood.
Photo Credit: Brinkhoff/Mögenburg
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