THE THEATRE ROYAL, EDINBURGH – UNTIL SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2019
REVIEWED BY SIOBHAN WILSON
5*****
Mamma Mia is story of a young girl who lives on a Greek island with her mum. She has never met her dad and is due to get married. Wanting to where she comes from and possibly have her dad walk her down the aisle, she finds her mums diary and discovers that her dad could be 1 of 3 men. So, she secretly invites them all to the wedding. This story will take you on a roller coaster of emotions all perfectly reflected through the musical workings of ABBA.
The opening night was completely immersive from the photo opportunity on the deck chairs with the beach balls before the show to the whole audience being on their feet singing and dancing along to the encore.
Sharon Sexton as Donna Sheridan was an inspired casting choice. Her ability to showcase every emotion meant that you were not just watching her but living through each moment with her. With special mention to her rendition of The Winner Takes it All – it was simple incredible. Donna’s 2 life long friends Tanya (Helen Anker) and Rosie (Nicky Swift) had a real comradely and great voices respectively.
Emma Mullen is fabulous as Sophie Sheridan. She manages to capture the innocence and excitability of the youthful character.
James Willoughby Moore as Pepper should have his character renamed as Chuckles as there us a laugh a minute when he is on the stage.
The amazing orchestra enhances every song and you get the essence of ABBA coming through.
The simple set means that nothing distracts from the cast skills and ability.
All in all, 20 years on this show has not faltered in the slightest. It still the same lighthearted, fun and flirty show. Going by the number of mothers and young daughters there, it is still bringing in new audiences with its timeless story line and iconic score.