Anna's Angle

Last night I saw Mamma Mia! and it was everything I hoped for—and more. ABBA hits, chaotic plot twists, and incredible energy all rolled into one unforgettable night at the theatre.

The story centres on Sophie, who’s about to get married but wants her dad to walk her down the aisle. The only problem? She doesn’t know who her dad is. After inviting all three possible candidates to her Greek island wedding (without telling her mother), drama, confusion, and musical magic unfold.

What really made the show shine for me wasn’t just the music (though yes, “Dancing Queen” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” were absolute bangers) but the way the entire production came together to create such a joyful, immersive atmosphere.

One of the first things I noticed as an A-level theatre student was the lighting. It wasn’t just bright and colourful, it was clever. The transitions between scenes were smooth and vibrant, capturing the warm, golden tones of a Greek island sunset. During more emotional moments, like Donna’s solo of “The Winner Takes It All,” the lighting shifted to cooler blues and subtle spotlighting that gave real emotional depth to the performance. To contrast, at the start of Act 2 where Sophie is having a nightmare about her wedding day, they utilised green spot lighting on the ensemble to create an effective and entertaining visual representation of a dream-like state.

The dance choreography was seriously impressive. The ensemble didn’t miss a beat—literally. From chaotic group numbers like “Voulez-Vous” to the more relaxed but iconic “Slipping through my fingers,” which made my mum, nan and I all tear up, the dancing helped tell the story with energy and humour. It felt polished but never stiff, which is hard to pull off with such high-tempo songs.

Costumes were another highlight—fun, loud, and just the right amount of ridiculous. The iconic glittery jumpsuits made their appearance (of course), but even the more everyday looks were vibrant and character-driven.

The audience absolutely loves it—though we were warned at the beginning of no singing through the actual play, the finale gave a chance for a sing along were clapping, laughing, and fully embracing the madness. You could feel the shared excitement in the room, especially during the encore when pretty much everyone was on their feet dancing. It wasn’t just a show; it felt like a party.

Final thoughts

Mamma Mia!  a celebration of love, chaos, and 1970s pop—and it delivers all three with confidence. In a time when everything can feel so serious and heavy, seeing a show that just wants to make people happy felt genuinely refreshing.

Whether you’re an ABBA superfan or just in the mood for two hours of colourful escapism, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s fun, it’s fast-paced, and it reminds you why live theatre is so special.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ – Glitter, chaos, and heart. An unapologetic joyride.