REVIEW: Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! by Nelson Youth Theatre Company, 5 July at the Theatre Royal. Reviewed by John van Gosliga.

If you loved Abba in the 1970’s you will love Mamma Mia! in 2024.

I had the privilege of attending this fantastic show last night and I loved every minute of it. From start to finish, the enthusiasm of all the cast was evident to see.

Mamma Mia! is set on a Greek Island and tells the story of Sophie, who is about to marry, inviting three guys to her wedding to find out which one is her father. Sophie tries to keep her plans hidden from everyone until the pressure is too much and her plans are discovered.

The show has love, humour, and fantastic musical numbers that we all grew up with and love.

Team Casey were performing last night with Casey Jenkinson playing Donna, the mother of Sophie who was played by Lily Hodson. They both shined with clear singing and emotional performances.

Donna's side kicks, Tanya and Rosie, were played by Georgie Horncastle and Esther Robson-Burrell, who both did a great job of keeping the audience entertained with their great acting and stage presence.

I enjoyed the main men in the show, Sam, played by Elias Gonzales, Harry, played by Tyler Bier, Bill, played by Shayne Henry, and Sky, played by Ollie Petrie. I think there were some opening night nerves from the guys and some of the singing was a little unclear but I’m sure this will change as the shows go on.

I absolutely loved the dancing from the chorus and the high energy that all the chorus had on opening night.

I have been to this musical show many times and last night’s show was performed with a young cast that gave it all. Well done everyone. The show definitely felt shorter than the two hours, including a half-time break.

Mamma Mia! is on at the Theatre Royal until 14 July. Get your tickets here.