Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 26th September 2026
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
5*****
Whether old or young, you are bound to have heard of an Abba song or two at some point in your time on this wonderful planet. And if you like what you hear then step in to the Sheffield Lyceum this week, as those beautiful notes will be lining the enthralling storyline which helps form the world-famous Mamma Mia! Stopping in Sheffield for just over a week and with matinees included, there is still opportunity for you to make a visit.
Mamma Mia! is a joyful, romantic comedy set on a beautiful Greek island. Focused around Sophie (Hazel Baldwin), a young girl making wedding preparations for her special date coming up. She is in desperate need of a father to walk her down the aisle, but she doesn’t know who her father is. So, she sets on a mission to find out. Will she be able to find out in time? And will she be able to convince her mother, Donna (Jenn Griffin) that her inviting three of her ex-partners to ‘sift through’ is the right thing to do…
Even if you are an avid Abba fan, the songs sang in this production, in their musical theatre style, are revived! They create such a great atmosphere that compliments the storyline so perfectly, you could almost be left thinking that Abba planned for them ending up in this musical, right from the start. The old classics speedily become new favorites.
The musical numbers come thick and fast, the whole show is jam-packed with them. The audience goes wild right from the start. Money Money Money leaves you in awe as the ensemble sweep you off your feet with their first group number, alongside lead Griffin. Lots of mesmerising and intricate choreography. Voulez-Vous is another big number with all the cast, using the entire stage, the actors bring all their energy to deliver some great chorography and a supremely polished number.
There are some extremely funny moments in this show. With comedy duo Tanya (Sarah Earnshaw) and Rosie (Lauren Woolf) leaving the auditorium in stiches regularly. They have impeccable comedic timing and seem to have been made for these roles. Potentially some of the best female comedy actors out there. Both also have wonderful voices, triple-threats all round! Dancing Queen in the bedroom with the pair singing into a hairdryer and straighteners is simply hilarious.
Even though the recommended age is five and up, it is questionable at that. There are around eight profanities and lots of innuendos (these do go straight over the children’s heads though so not really an issue). All round, it is a real solid piece of theatre, suitable for the majority of the family and if you are after a laugh, a cry and lots of heartwarming theatrical moments, this one is for you.