Review: MAMMA MIA! at Birmingham Hippodrome - it’s Ab-bab-ulous!

20th anniversary tour of the sensational feel good musical brings its magic to Brum
Fionnuala Bourke
By Fionnuala Bourke
Published 8th May 2022, 14:50 BST
Updated 8th May 2022, 14:57 BST

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It’s more than 20 years since the groundbreaking musical with its quirky storyline celebrated with ABBA hits premiered in London’s West End.

And Mamma Mia! been getting rave reviews ever since.

I must admit, I’ve never seen it before.

Although, like so many other people, I totally love the 2008 film and its sequel - such a tonic, you cannot help but raise a smile at Pierce Brosnan’s singing, Meryl Streep’s relatability and that luscious Greek Island backdrop.

So how could this be replicated on stage, I wondered?

Helen Anker (Tanya), Sara Poyzer (Donna), Nicky Swift (Rosie) in Mamma MiaHelen Anker (Tanya), Sara Poyzer (Donna), Nicky Swift (Rosie) in Mamma Mia
Helen Anker (Tanya), Sara Poyzer (Donna), Nicky Swift (Rosie) in Mamma Mia
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Well, I wasn’t kept pondering for long - because as soon as the curtain went up we were swept away on a feel good journey, full of music, laughter and love.

The Aegean Sea might not have been lapping in the background and I didn’t spot any Hollywood A listers in the cast, but the live energy and skill of the performers brought this oh-so familiar story to a whole new level - and it really was sensational.

It was lovely to see Sophie and Sky’s friends get a more prominent role in the theatre show.

Mariella Mazzilli (Lisa), Jena Pandya (Sophie), Jasmine Shen (Ali) in MAMMA MIA! _Mariella Mazzilli (Lisa), Jena Pandya (Sophie), Jasmine Shen (Ali) in MAMMA MIA! _
Mariella Mazzilli (Lisa), Jena Pandya (Sophie), Jasmine Shen (Ali) in MAMMA MIA! _

Special mention must go to the amazing singing of Jena Pandya who played Sophie. There were so many highlights in the show, it’s difficult to mention them all, but Helen Anker’s Tanya brought a lot of laughter, especially her rendition of Does Your Mother Know.

And Sara Poyzer’s Donna Sheridan was fabulous.

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The theatre show is as timeless as those celebrated Abba hits, so don’t miss this chance to see this tremendous musical while it’s in Birmingham - it’s Ab-bab-ulous!

It’s on until Saturday, May 14 - and you can get tickets here: Mamma Mia! At Birmingham Hippodrome

Sara Poyzer (Donna), Richard Standing in MAMMA MIA! Sara Poyzer (Donna), Richard Standing in MAMMA MIA!
Sara Poyzer (Donna), Richard Standing in MAMMA MIA!

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