I’m sure that everyone at some time or another has been to the theatre to see some show or other and left pondering the meaning of life, but with Mamma Mia the audience all must leave with smiles on their faces whilst humming the famous Abba tunes as they travel home. The production at the Sheffield Lyceum is exactly what you would expect it to be - a joyous and feel-good evening's entertainment.

Set against the backdrop of a beautiful Greek island, the story follows Sophie as she prepares for her wedding to Sky and attempts to discover which of the three men from her mother’s past is her father. A simple and well-known plot but a perfect vehicle for some of ABBA’s greatest hits.

From the opening numbers through to the spectacular finale and audience sing-a-long, the familiar songs are performed with enormous energy and enthusiasm by all on stage. ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Voulez-Vous’, ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ and the title song ‘Mamma Mia’ all had the audience thoroughly engaged, whilst ‘The Winner Takes It All’ provided a poignant and emotionally powerful moment.

The relationship between Donna (Jenn Griffin) and Sophie (Hazel Baldwin) remains at the heart of the show. Beneath the comedy and glitter is a story about motherhood, friendship, lost opportunities and the passage of time. The show manages to balance these more touching moments with plenty of humour, thus preventing the evening from becoming overly sentimental.

Donna’s long-time friends Tanya (Sarah Earnshaw) and Rosie (Rachel Oates) have larger-than-life personalities, whilst their comic timing generated many laughs from the audience. Similarly, Sophie’s prospective dads in the form of Bill (Simon Victor), Sam (Richard Taylor Woods) and Harry (Arvid Larsen) played excellent supportive roles. The ensemble deserves recognition and praise for the sheer energy they brought to the dance numbers, helping to create the infectious feel – a good atmosphere central to the show. Sadly, some of the lead actors who appear in the publicity photographs were substituted on stage this evening, but this did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the show.

Visually, the production embraces the bright, sunny Mediterranean setting, while the choreography keeps the stage constantly moving as cast members move scenery and props as required.


Donna and the Dynamos, in their trademark Abba silver sequined outfits and high platform boots, get to ‘strut their stuff’ during the finale, and it seemed that the entire auditorium was on their feet in appreciation. Whilst the storyline is weak and there is little depth to any of the characters, ‘Mamma Mia’ knows precisely what its audience has come to see — and it delivers it by the bucketload. It is a joyful, energetic and thoroughly entertaining show, making a visit to the theatre a really good night out!

Sheffield Lyceum Until 26 September