Just like good wine which tastes better over time, MAMMA MIA! The Musical opened at the West End in 1999 and since then has become one of the most popular musicals. MAMMA MIA! has also been turned into not one but two high grossing movies.
I was lucky to experience the opening night of MAMMA MIA! at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent last night and what a joyous production it was. The cast was belting out ABBA tunes one songs after another and their dialogue seamlessly woven in between each song.
Created by the talented Judy Craymer, the story is about 20-year-old Sophie Sheridan (played by Jena Pandya) planning her wedding to Sky (Toby Miles) and she is on a mission to find out who her dad is so he can give her away at the wedding.
She discovers her mum’s diary and finds three names in it… Sam, Harry and Bill and decide to invite all three of them (played by Richard Standing, Daniel Crowder and Phil Corbitt) in the hope that one of them would be her dad.
The scene is set in the beautiful and idyll Greek Island, Kalokairi but this soon turns chaotic when old memories are rekindled and the tension builds as Sophie struggles to find out who her real dad is.
Jena who plays Sophie is so talented and her voice simply mesmerising. Both Jasmine Shen and Mariella Mazzilli who support her in the opening act are equally brilliant and exude the feeling of being carefree.
Sara Poyzer who plays Donna, Sophie’s mum was exceptional and her acting came out as genuine! Her rendition of the ABBA songs was impressive. The on-stage chemistry between Sara and her two friends… the stunning cougar, Tanya (played by Helen Anker) and hilarious Rosie (played by Nicky Swift) could not have been better. There was something so raw and relatable about the trio, Donna and the Dynamos which made them likable.
I am a huge ABBA fan and love all the songs in the show but a few stood out for me including Does Your Mother Know sung by Helen, the chemistry between her and Pepper (played by James Willoughby Moore) was spectacular. The performance got the crowd giggly and wanting more. Another stand out song in Act Two was Take a Chance on Me performed by Nicky Swift and Phil Corbitt, was super hilarious and finally Lay All Your Love On Me got the crowd swaying and moving to the beat.
Special mention goes to Richard Standing, Daniel Crowder and Phil Corbitt for bringing life into their characters. I loved how endearing Richard (who plays Sam) was as his vulnerable side was exposed. Phil as Bill was hilarious while Daniel as Harry was very likeable.
The stage was simple with casts moving the set around to showcase the change of scene and a Mediterranean vibe. The beautiful bright coloured lights definitely set the mood for certain scenes, especially when Sophie was dreaming.
Such a diverse and talented cast which was on point when it came to their singing and mesmerising choreography. A huge shout out goes to Anthony Van Laast, the choreographer and not to mention The Band who performed each song fantastically.
The show ended with everyone on their feet singing and dancing to Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and Waterloo! It was such an energetic and feel good show and one we definitely would ask you to Take a Chance on Watching before the show ends at The Regent Theatre.
Cast Details
Leading the cast are Sara Poyzer (Donna Sheridan), Nicky Swift (Rosie), Helen Anker (Tanya), Richard Standing (Sam Carmichael), Phil Corbitt (Bill Austin), Daniel Crowder (Harry Bright), Jena Pandya (Sophie Sheridan), Toby Miles (Sky), Jasmine Shen (Ali), Mariella Mazzilli (Lisa), James Willoughby Moore (Pepper), Corey Mitchell (Eddie) and Sarah Harlington (Alternate Donna Sheridan). Further casting includes Taylor Bridges, Ambra Caserotti, Martin Dickinson, Billy Downes, Chloe Gentles, Rachel Ivy, Luke Jasztal, Matt Kennedy, Lewis Kidd, Robert Knight, Hollie Nelson, Natasha O’Brien, Phoebe Roberts, Blair Robertson, Kaine Ruddach, Amy Thiroff and Cameron Vear.
With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.The MAMMA MIA! UK and International Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal and NGM.
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced from £13 to £57.50.
How do I book tickets to watch MAMMA MIA!?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7615 or by visiting ATG’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
Estimated running time is 2 hours and 35 minutes and the show will run until Saturday, 21 May 2022. The shows will be at 7.30pm with two matinee shows on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Do visit their website for more details.
Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?
Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649
About Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.
Tips / Information
- Masks and Covid passes are not mandatory in the Theatre at the moment
- Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park is the closest and it closes at 11.30pm while intu Pottery carpark charges a fixed rate of £1.50 (after 6pm) and this carpark closes at
- Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
- There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
- There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
- Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
- Accessible toilets are available
You may also want to read this:
Review: The Addams Family Musical Comedy at The Regent Theatre
Review: Footloose the Musical at The Regent Theatre
Review: Dolly Parton Presents 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL at The Regent Theatre
Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
12 comments
MAMMA MIA! is such a fun, amusing, entertaining, legendary musical. I’ve always wanted to see it live, but haven’t got the chance yet. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome and hope you get to see it live
I’ve seen the movie but not the play. I would love to watch the show, that would be amazing….
The musical was just fantastic and gives you the feel-good vibe
Mama Mia is so much fun! I’d love to see it live and in person one day. That’s probably one of the best shows to see live…gosh all that energy in the house must have been great!
Hope you do get the chance. Yes lots of energy on the night x
The show looks amazing! I would love to see them performing live! Looks so fun.
It was super fun to watch the cast perform the songs and dance
Mamma Mia is truly one of the classics! I can’t wait to see it in person!
It absolutely is and so timeless as well!
I bet it was a great show. I have never seen the movies but I’d love to see the live show.
Yes it was a fantastic show indeed and we enjoyed watching it