By Sue Roberts
Having seen Mamma Mia the film, which I enjoyed but was not raving about, I was looking forward to seeing how the live show would fare. And how it delivered!
We were treated to 2 hours of magical entertainment featuring all the Abba songs we know and love.
Of the 20+ songs in the show there was only one that I was unfamiliar with and considering I would not really call myself a particular Abba fan that speaks volumes of how their music has reached far and wide.
The leading cast of Kay Milbourne (Donna), Gillian Hardie (Rosie) and Emma Clifford (Tanya) were outstanding both in terms of their singing ability and the unexpected comedy moments they brought to the proceedings - in particular the routine the three of them did to Dancing Queen combining comedy, singing and dancing. Milbourne’s voice is crisp, clear and strong and was shown to its full effect in her rousing rendition of The Winner Takes it All.
The other main cast members played their parts well - Lucy May Barker as Sophie, Phillip Ryan as Sky, and Jon Boydon, Jamie Hogarth and Christopher Hollis as Sophie’s ‘3 dads’. There was also some impressive break dancing and acrobatics from the male ensemble.
The show seemed to be over so quickly - a good sign of just how entertaining it was - and then the stage came alive with colour and dancing (and platform boots!) and we were treated to a finale of singalong songs including the iconic Waterloo by which time the entire audience was on its feet singing and dancing in the aisles. All I can say is ‘Thank you for the Music’!
A truly wonderful feel-good evening of entertainment which you shouldn’t miss. Mamma Mia is on at the New Theatre Oxford until Saturday 25th November. Book your tickets now at www.atgtickets.com.