Mamma Mia! - Novello Theatre - Review

Walking with their heads held high in knee high boots, spandex and rhinestones, one musical has strutted its way across London's glittering West End, spending time at three different theatres, over 27 years. Mamma Mia! jumped from the Prince Edward, to the Prince of Wales and now to Novello, and as of 2024, became the fifth longest running show in West End History. Its lasting appeal continues to pull in the crowds, all delighted to enjoy the light-hearted fun, the fabulous costumes and, of course, the ABBA.

Sophie Sheridan (played at this performance by Ella Beaumont) has her whole life ahead of her. Raised by her mother Donna (Sara Poyzer) on a beautiful Greek Island, her wedding is approaching fast. But there is something missing. The father she's never met. But after reading her mother's diary, she learns the truth. She has three possible fathers, Sam (Richard Standing), Harry (Daniel Crowder), and Bill (Tamlyn Henderson). So behind the backs of both Donna and her fiancee Sky (George Maddison), Sophie invites them all to her wedding, determined to have her father walk her down the aisle. But things aren't as straight forward as she hoped.

Jukebox musicals can often come with characters making questionable decisions, some of which can make them completely unredeemable, but although the choice to invite three strangers to your wedding behind the backs of those you love perhaps isn't the best, Sophie is still an incredibly lovable character. You know the idea is ridiculous, but you go along with it. Beaumont's Sophie is sweet and loving, with a cheeky glint in her eye, winning everyone over in seconds and as an audience member you will her on to succeed in having the perfect wedding. Her relationship with George Maddison's Sky is utterly charming and believable, with their rendition of 'Lay All Your Love On Me' proving to be a particular highlight. I have to praise Maddison's take on Sky here, giving a character who is sometimes brushed aside as just the handsome love interest real depth and heart. He's the clever handy man wanting to make the hotel a great success, all whilst loving Sophie with all his heart.

Sara Poyzer takes on the mammoth role of Donna here, and makes it look easy; conveying the emotions of a mother of the bride forced to face her past, child's play, and belting out a performance of 'The Winner Takes It All' that raises the roof, a walk in the park. Her comedic timing is spot on and she creates a Donna that you simply love. Kate Graham's Tanya oozes glamour and I have to say that Rosie, played at this performance by Emily Squibb, was a stand out, earning many a laugh, particularly in her duet of 'Take a Chance on Me' alongside Tamlyn Henderson's Bill.

Standing, Crowder and Henderson are a lovable troupe as Sam, Harry and Bill, from their childish attempts to hide from Donna to their overwhelm at ending up the centre of attention at a hen party, they shine. Benjamin Dawson and Joshua De Le-Garde also earn plenty of giggles as hotel workers and Sky's best friend's Pepper and Eddie.

With the story decorated and celebrated with ABBA hits, you can't deny that this show is full of absolute bangers. Each song is smile inducing and wickedly catchy, and I can guarantee that you will leave the theatre with a song stuck in your head for the foreseeable future. With the set and costumes having changed very little since the show's 1999 premiere, there is a sense of old school and nostalgia that adds to the charm of the piece.

There is really no surprise that Mamma Mia! has enjoyed such a long and successful run in London, and I don't think that it is going anywhere, anytime soon. Long may it live.