An army of devoted Abba fans decked-out in feather boas and flares packed into the Echo arena as they awaited the UK tour of Mamma Mia to burst onto the stage.
The atmosphere was electric from the very first note as the overture began quietly and serenely with Sophie (Miria Parvin) alone on stage singing 'I have a Dream'... and the magic spell is cast.
The show's worldwide success has made this simple love story well known. Pre-nuptial madness prompts this young girl to invite all three of her mother's ex-lovers to her wedding in the hope that one of them will turn out to be her father.
And so begins the wonderful tale of love and turmoil riddled with fun and laughter and bittersweet regret; which we know will end in happiness for all in this high camp musical sensation.
The genius of writer Catherine Johnson lies in the slick way she has woven the story around the phenomenal music and lyrics of the Abba songs, which keep us tapping our feet continuously as we both weep and laugh along with the lovable characters.
Clapping our hands and mouthing the famous words to each melody sung by Donna (Jackie Clune), Sophie's Mother, who is the central character of the love story. Wonderful stage presence and a powerful singing voice - exactly what is needed to do justice to super ballad 'The Winner takes it All' and the audience were hanging on every word!
Rosie (Leanne Rogers) and Tanya (Kate Graham) steal the show as Donna's Dynamos and inject the fun and feel-good factor throughout the show. Their antics in the bedroom, trying to cheer up Donna and pelting out "Does your Mother know?" on the beach with Sky's friends filled the arena with laughter.
The three ex-lovers played the game well as the story unfolds and they learn that each one is possibly Sophie's dad.
The dance teams Swings and Ensemble are beautifully choreographed on stage and the audience were open-mouthed during the 'Voulez-vous' routine - and the Finale is a fantastic feast for the eyes and ears. Dancing Queens aplenty!
The versatility of the set was a marvel, and showed the Echo Arena at its full potential in depicting an idyllic Greek island, with Donna's taverna at the centre of the craggy rocks and hills so typical of Greece. The beautiful costumes and scuba divers helped us feel the heat and, with the sun shining outside, put everyone in the holiday mood.
The whole production is a spectacle to watch, like a kaleidoscope of colour which keeps you wanting more. Mamma Mia is wonderful night out for all the family and a trip down Nostalgia Lane for all of us old enough to remember the phenomenal sensation that was Abba. The production must be praised alone for keeping the unique, energetic music of Abba alive across the generations and many more to come.
Mamma Mia is at the Echo Arena until 20th June, plenty of time to get your tickets booked and enjoy a night 'Having The Time Of Your Life!'
Click rating 9/10
For tickets call Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400.
Cologne Girls Choir to join girl choristers from both Liverpool Cathedrals for unique concert
(Tue 22/05)
Liverpool Music Awards 2012 Launches
(Tue 22/05)
Post a comment