Mamma Mia – Newcastle Theatre Royal

Book: Catherine Johnson

Music and Lyrics: Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

Here we go again Newcastle theatre goers. You are in for a treat at the Theatre Royal this week because Mamma Mia is in town to bring some sunshine and laughter to lift spirits on a cold, damp evening in February. You will be guaranteed a smile on your face and will be saying ‘Thank You For The Music’ as you leave.

It’s just over 25 years since Mamma Mia opened in the West End. Since then we have seen two motion pictures and several runs on Broadway and many tours of this jukebox musical. The music and lyrics are by ABBA’s Benny Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus, with the book by Catherine Johnson. Add in the wonderful direction of Phyllida Lloyd we have a lively, happy show.

The plot centres around a small Greek island on the eve of the wedding of Sophie Sheridan (Lydia Hunt). Sophie upon discovering her mother, Donna’s (Jenn Griffin) old diary, that her father could be one of three old flames of her mothers. Is it Sam, Bill or Henry? She decides to find out by inviting them to her wedding unbeknownst to her mother. Who will be walking her down the aisle? And so the result is three old flames are reunited, new romances emerge and chaos prevails.

The Overture sets the tone with a rousing compilation of ABBA’s musical score. The curtain rises and the stage is bathed in blue, reflecting the blue sky of the Mediterranean island. The set (designed by Mark Thompson) is simple, giving us the white washed walled houses of a typical Greek village. The transition between each scene is seamless and keeps the production speedy and brisk. The costume design (also Thompson) is well thought out beginning with the blue reflecting the sky and sea of the Mediterranean to the vibrant colours as the story moves from its tranquil beginning to its raucous ending.

The show opens with Sophie in a relaxing mood giving us a sincere rendition of I Have a Dream. Then Sophie’s best friends arrive, Ali (Bibi Jay) and Lisa (Eve Parsons), and the party begins. A strong friendship group is clearly seen.

The theme of friendship is shown throughout with the friendship group of Donna and her friends Tanya (Sarah Earnshaw) and Rosie (Rosie Glossop). We also have Sky (Joe Grundy) with his friends Pepper (Joseph Vella) and Eddie (Ethan Casey-Clothier) forming another group. Then the unlikely friendship of three strangers Harry (Richard Meek), Bill (Mark Goldthorp) and Sam (Luke Jasztal), brought together through the mutual love of Donna.

The stage is commanded by Jenn Griffin throughout with her portrayal of Donna. Her powerful voice is clearly shown with her rousing rendition of The Winner Takes It All – it is a show stopping moment.

There are many other notable performances. The comedic scene with Sky and his friends at his stag night and the dance in flippers is hilarious.

The whole show has been well choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. In particular the choreographed chair scene with Rosie’s rendition of Take a Chance on Me as she and Bill cleverly negotiate their way amongst the chairs which are set up for the wedding, whilst Rosie attempts to chase and finally seduce Bill.

Every character in this production brings the songs of ABBA to life, with every song moving the story along but they never seem forced.

All the iconic songs of ABBA are there. There is Sam’s SOS and his touching rendition of Knowing Me Knowing You. Harry’s Thank You For The Music silences the audience and Tanya’s Does Your Mother Know is a stand out comedic performance. Her fantastic duo with Rosie as Donna’s backing singers as they belt out Dancing Queen is also a joy.

The ensemble are too numerous to mention but what a team. They hold the show together as they dance and sing their way through and double up as villagers and efficient scene changers. They also brought lots of comedic elements to the show.

The finale of Mamma Mia is brought to a close with a celebration of ABBA’s music and the whole audience are on their feet. This perfect tonic for a dull, rainy evening will have you laughing and crying. So ‘Take a Chance on…. ‘ Mamma Mia… you won’t regret it.

Runs until Saturday 28^th February.