Mamma Mia the UK tour arrived in Cardiff

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It is no surprise that the mother of all modern musicals enjoyed a rapturous reception at The New Theatre Cardiff.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] For those who aren’t familiar with the premise, Mamma Mia! is a musical which uses the songs from pop supergroup ABBA and combines them with an original story by Catherine Johnson. It’s a musical that is all about identity and finding your place in the world, told through the perspective of spectacular characters Donna and Sophie Sheridan.

The setting is a small island, a hidden gem, supposedly home to Aphrodite’s fountain of love, off the coast of Greece and the action opens with 20-year-old Sophie Sheridan (Jess Michelmore) sending wedding invitations to her three possible fathers in the hope one of them will walk her down the aisle. She is joined by her two friends who then open with the ABBA hit ‘I have a dream’.

As you would expect from such a long running show of this calibre, the choreography was outstanding, every exhaustive routine was not only step perfect,  but flowed perfectly with the movements of the ever changing set design made up of two rotating taverna to create endless pockets of the island.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”29423″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The entire cast are phenomenal, Sara Poyzer, makes a perfect single mum Donna Sheridan. She brings the character to life with a perfect combination of her boho style and golden greek glow, it was easy to see how this sassy northern lass, captured the hearts of any holiday romance now and 20 years ago. Her vocals and range are jaw-dropping and the emotions were well and truly felt as she belted out ‘The Winner Takes It All’ with old flame Sam played by Richard Standing,  as they reignite that old spark.

With the help of her mates from her one-time backing band the trio formerly known as Donna and the Dynamos, they offer that perfect comic timing and pitch perfect performances throughout.

Jess Michelmore played the perfect Sophie, from the first few notes of ‘I Have A Dream’ she wowed us with her singing, she gave Sophie the perfect blend of naïve optimism and feisty determination in her mission to discover who her father is.

The three dads didn’t disappoint either, Richard Standing (Sam), Phil Corbitt (Bill) and Understudy Nathan Scott (Harry) – The three really owned their distinct could-be dad roles, each developing a different bond with Sophie, meanwhile exercising effortless vocals.

But it was the timeless songs of ABBA that were the real stars of this hilarious, emotional and fast-paced show.  Packed full of songs that had the audience on their feet and sing along throughout the show.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”29425″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]This really is an absolute tonic of a show, with simple sets, combined with fantastic 70s costumes, superb lighting, and exuberant music, this makes a glorious production guaranteed for anyone who knows The Name Of The Game, along with those experiencing this feel-good relatable production for the first time, Mamma Mia! really is the winner who takes it all. 

Catch MAMMA MIA! at the New Theatre until March, but tickets are almost all gone so you’ll have to act quick.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/uyx6_jZ-mYo” align=”center” title=”Watch our interview with Jess Michelmore who plays Sophie Sheridan”][/vc_column][/vc_row]