Mamma Mia - 22nd June 2010

I can't believe that it's 11 years since I last saw Mamma Mia!! Then it was a brand new musical, it's first week in the west end. We didn't know what to expect apart from a selection of Abba songs but I still remember leaving the theatre surrounded by a whole audience on an amazing high.

Mamma Mia is now a worldwide phenomenon, running in countless cities around the world and is there a household in the UK that doesn't own a copy of the DVD!! So would the production be as joyous now as it was back in 1999. The short answer is not quite. Linzi Hateley is one of the greats of the London theatre world and she lead a wonderful and talented cast through a production that showcases the amazing Abba songs. The show still has that wonderful feel good factor and anyone who doesn't emerge from the theatre in high spirits has serious problems. The only real difference between 1999 and now is that back in 1999 the show didn't know what it was and this just added to the charm.

The highlight of the show remains (at least for me) the performance of Does your mother know? This is performed fantastically by Harriet Thorpe and the sensational Alex Jessop.

If you are in London for only one night and don't know what show to see, stop dithering and book for Mamma Mia.... it truly is the happiest show in town!!