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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
3:07 PM 7th July 2014
arts

Review Of Mamma Mia! - The Musical

 
As musicals go it does not get any brighter and uplifting as this international touring production of Mama Mia!

The film version of this his show was built around major stars such as Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth who were chosen for their acting and being able to add star names to the film rather than their singing ability. In this production it is the strong vocals, dancing and chemistry between the main characters that give it that added sparkle.

Since the film was taken from the show it is not surprising to see that the storyline is very familiar. Bride to be Sophie Sheridan (Niamh Perry) is due to get married to Sky (Bart Edwards). She is unsure who her father could be, is it builder Sam Carmicheal (Richard Standing), City Financier Harry Bright (Keiron Cook) or Australian traveller Bill Austin (Michael Beckley)? Whilst looking through one of her mothers old diaries she decides to invite them all to her wedding, under the false pretence that is her mother, Donna (Natalie Langston) who has sent out the invitations.

Set on a Greek island, the lighting and the azure blue and ghost white that are prevalent throughout the show bringing the Mediterranean sunshine into Blackpool.

The Abba songs fit perfectly into the dialogue of the show and it feels like they were written for this superb production.

Providing some humour and well-timed jokes are Donna Sheridan's friends Rosie (Sue Devaney) and Tanya (Geraldine Fitzgerald). Devaney plays the role Julie Walters played in the film, it is a hard act to follow but Devaney pulls it off with ease.

The choreography is tighter than a Scotsman's wallet: the scene where all the cast perform Voulez Vous at the end of the first part of the show is performed with the precision of a Strictly Come Dancing finalist.

As in the latter part of Abba's career the songs in the second part of the show become more solemn as the story unfolds and the wedding day approaches. There is a twist in the tale though and the ending might not be what you expect.

The show ends as the audience are brought to their feet for Mama Mia!, Dancing Queen and Waterloo.

With the show running until 14 September at Blackpool Opera House, the show is definitely worth a trip over the Pennines to witness this entertaining, dazzling and uplifting show.

Would I recommend it? In the words of an Abba hit: I Do, I Do, I Do.

Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.visitblackpool.com