Mamma Mia, here we go again

It seems like no time at all since we saw Mamma Mia the Musical at the Edinburgh Playhouse, but it is back for a season, bigger than ever and in high demand

I was there in 2004 and 2016 and was delighted to be back this week within a full house as Mamma Mia, the ABBA musical, opened again for a festive season in Edinburgh. Amid all the Panto hype across central Scotland, this joyful and familiar songfest was a teat both musically and visually. Billed as a ‘feel good musical’ it certainly is and how writer Catherine Johnson weaved those hit songs into a comic storyline is still a sense of wonder.

You may even know the story: Sophie’s wedding on a Greek island could only be complete if her father could be there but who is the daddy? There are three candidates and she has invited them all and this begins a series of encounters with Sophie’s mum Donna (played by Jenn Griffin). Sophie is played by Lydia Hunt, and her youthful exuberance and energy excels all over the show. As for her mum, well we wait for her big moment and when The Winner Takes It All finally comes, she grabs the emotion of those words as it requires, not only a breathtaking piece in the production but a career high in the ABBA songbook and a wild celebration from the audience. Mother Donna’s old pals Rosie (Rosie Glossop) and Tanya played tonight by Marisa Harris get most stage time and excel in their comedy, crafted moves and not to mention flirting. The ‘dads’ have great comedy moments too, carefully so different with Luke Jasztal (as Sam) getting his big moment with the duet SOS.

With so many musical highlights perhaps some of the stagecraft could be overlooked. Positioning and choreography are subtle but outstanding. Anthony Van Laast original moves are evident throughout from the spectacle in the circular dance to the guys exaggerated high kicks with flippers, all calculated, all visually remarkable. From the very first blast of overture, the power of the Carlton Edwards led orchestra of seven fills the space at high volume. They tickle the intricacies of Chiquitita while overwhelming us with the likes of Voulez-Vous and Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie! (A Man After Midnight), while upping the gear for the big finale of Mamma Mia and the one that started it all for Benny and Bjorn, and our introduction to ABBA, Waterloo. Cue costume changes, intense dance and collective joy with a standing ovation all around us. Here Donna & The Dynamos become the divas they were reminding us why we will go see them again and again.

Runs until January 4th, Tickets: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mamma-mia/edinburgh-playhouse/