Mamma Mia! at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Reviewed by Lindsey Wilkins

Having been to several musicals over the years, I’ve never got around to seeing Mamma Mia! So, I was delighted to be asked to review the show, at Milton Keynes Theatre. I took along my Mum, who is a huge Abba fan. We had a great time.

I love the theatre in Milton Keynes, it’s in a great location, easy to find, easy to park, surrounded by lots of nice pubs and restaurants. The staff as always were very pleasant. We picked up our tickets without any problems, and were shown to our seats without a fuss. The theatre was very busy, and was filling up fast with lots of smiley people all excited to see what was coming. The atmosphere was just great.

If you’ve seen the film, you’ll know what to expect. But without giving too much away, this wonderful musical is made up entirely of Abba songs. The story is about a 20 year old girl, Sophie, played by Lucy May Barker, who has been raised by her mother on a Greek island. She has no idea who her father is, until she finds her mother’s diary from 21 years earlier and knows her father has to be one of three men mentioned in the diary. Sophie is getting married, and the day before her wedding, the three men show up on the island. Her mother Donna, played by the talented Helen Hobson, is shocked to see them and has no idea who invited them. Sophie just wants to figure out which one of these three men is her father!

This high-energy show was amazing, filled with fun, comedy, drama and romance. Whether you are a fan of Abba or not, their music tied in perfectly with the story. The acting and singing was flawless throughout. The humour between Donna’s friends Rosie and Tanya, played brilliantly by Gillian Hardie and Emma Clifford, was hilarious. They had the audience laughing lots!

The costumes were beautiful! Lots of 70’s shiny satin, glitter sequins and of course white Lycra! The scenery on stage was great too. Quite simple, but perfect for each scene. The music was excellent, lots of people were singing along to the songs, it was hard not to! By the end of the show, most of the audience were up on their feet, dancing and clapping.

It really is a great show. I’m so glad I took my Mum, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Go and see it, you certainly won’t be disappointed!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £19.50 to £66 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

Mamma Mia! is a Milton Keynes Theatre from 2-20 May 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ