If you’ve been dreaming of escaping to sunnier climes over the Easter holidays, why not try a trip to Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall instead?
Set on a sunny Greek island, the musical Mamma Mia! takes place there until Saturday April 23, and if you buy a ticket, you will be transported to a magical place.
The show follows the story of bride-to-be Sophie (Jena Pandya) who dreams of reuniting with her father before she marries Sky.
Finding her mother’s diary reveals three potential fathers, who receive an invitation to her wedding on the island, forcing mom Donna (Sara Poyzer) to come to terms with her romantic past.
Set to the magic of timeless Abba songs, it promises an exhilarating night and does not disappoint. Audience members sing happily (whether or not they can hold a melody) and stamp their feet. The encore is a highlight for those who had trouble sitting still in their seats – don’t rush out the door the minute the actors wave their well-deserved salutes!
It’s a slick production, with barely a foot off the line and is it a wonder? The show first premiered in London in April 1999 and has been seen by over 65 million people across 50 productions around the world.
It has since been made into two movies and it’s hard not to compare the show to the movies, with the first being the highest-grossing live-action musical film of all time.
Well, fans will surely be relieved to learn that actor Richard Standing, in his role as one of the fathers Sam Carmichael, is musically defending himself – unlike his film counterpart Pierce Brosnan – and SOS, a duo emotional with the character of Donna was one of the highlights of the show.
Meanwhile, Donna’s friends Tanya (Helen Anker) and Rosie (Nicky Swift) are the perfect comedic antidote to a proudly extravagant spectacle. The scene on the beach as Tanya rejects young man’s love interest Pepper (James Willoughby Moore) was particularly funny.
And Sara Pozyer herself as Donna – her voice is beautiful and you soon wonder Meryl who? —K.C.
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