A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
Four years ago this show was here and I had the pleasure of reviewing it – https://5d-blog.com/mamma-mia/ so was keen to see it again. By now most of us should know the story of this “smash hit musical based on the songs of Abba”.
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The cast for this production is as well chosen as the last time the show graced our stage. Lydia Hunt plays the young girl getting married, with Bibi Jay and Eve Parsons as her best friends and bridesmaids. Sophie’s Mother, Donna is played by the amazing Jenn Griffen who has an amazing strength and depth to her voice. She is ably supported by Sarah Earnshaw as the glamorous Tanya and Rachel Oates as the lovable Rosie. A highlight of the musical has to be when Donna and The Dynamos perform those Abba songs we love so much, in the gorgeous costumes they wear for such numbers.
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The three possible Dads are also very well cast with Richard Meek as Harry and Mark Goldthorp as Bill, and Luke Jasztal as Sam. Sophie’s fiancé Sky is played by the handsome Joe Grundy and his friends Pepper and Eddie are played by Joseph Vella and Ethan Casey-Clothier respectively.
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The whole cast work well together, with any relationships very believable and any dancing very enjoyable to watch. The choreography is by Anthony Van Laast and is brilliantly done. As with last time the set is carefully designed to switch from inside to outside the hotel smoothly. A big difference for me, this time, was my own reaction to Donna singing Slipping Through My Fingers about Sophie, as a parent of a teenager growing up too fast it really hit home and the tears were rolling down my cheeks. These two female characters have a wonderful dynamic on stage and were a delight to watch.
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An evening watching an island in the sun was a welcome break from our January storms, and surely everyone loves an Abba song. The singers were so enjoyable I did not even need to stop myself from trying to sing along, although there is an opportunity for a bit of a sing along at the end and the chance to be a Dancing Queen for those who like a boogie in the stalls! An absolutely enjoyable evening that leaves you smiling merrily, although there is the risk of certain ear worms lingering…
Further information: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/mamma-mia-2/
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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