Last week, the Lyceum opened its doors to the much loved theatre classic Mamma Mia! With an insanely talented cast & well-imagined set, you cannot help but to be transported to the small Greek island alongside the characters in their emotional journey to finding love and acceptance through the course of the show, driven by both excitement and fear in equal measure.
Sophie’s (played by Jena Pandya) stunning vocals open the show with the moving lyrics of ‘I Have A Dream’ as she expresses her wish to meet her father, just in time for him to walk down the aisle at her wedding. The diversity of the cast was a joy to see from the outset, as Pandya was quickly joined onstage by Jasmine Shen and Marisela Mazzilli, in their supporting roles as Ali and Lisa for ‘Honey, Honey’. It was clear by the end of only the second song, that this show would become one of my favourites, and the rest of the first act certainly confirmed it.
Bill, Harry and Sam (played by Phill Corbitt, Daniel Crowder and Yorkshire’s very own Richard Standing, respectively) provide the audience with laughter from their first moment on stage. It is often said that ‘three is a crowd’, but this cast proves that is anything but true, as their performances of ‘Thank You for the Music’ proved. This is further visible through the introduction of Donna and the Dynamos at the height of the first act for the most iconic songs of the show. The excitement from the audience during performances of Dancing Queen and Super Trouper was unmatched.
The ensemble is amazing! Helping to create variation throughout, but constantly enhancing the atmosphere of each musical number. The chemistry between every single actor on stage at any given moment is clear to see.
Donna’s (Sara Poyzer) soulful vocals carry the show through the second act, earning her several standing-ovations. Accompanied on stage by Tanya (Helen Anker) and Rosie (Nicky Swift) for much of the first act. It is lovely to see each of these talented actors get a chance to shine during ‘Does Your Mother Know’ and ‘Take a Chance on Me’. By the end of the show, the audience were still brimming with excitement, and by no means, were we ready to leave!
With an abundance of feel-good ABBA! tunes, adults and children alike are invited to clap and dance along. Culminating with a memorable encore, which has everyone up on their feet. Definitely a show to remember!
So, do I recommend it to anyone and everyone? My answer is an immediate yes! I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do!
Mamma Mia! The UK and International Tour is touring throughout the rest of 2022 and into 2023 (https://mamma-mia.com/uk-and-international-tour/)
