Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia!
Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Book by Catherine Johnson. Director: Gary Young. Crown Theatre, Perth. 15 May - 1 July, 2018

Mamma Mia! has finally burst into Perth, as part of its 2017/18 Tour. This fresh production shows no signs of tour fatigue and this vibrant, high energy production delighted the opening night audience at Crown Theatre.

Arguably one of the best of the juke-box musicals, Mamma Mia! uses Benny Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus’ hit songs, in an Abba musical with broad appeal across age groups. Set just before the turn of the millennium, twenty year old Sophie, about to get married, invites three of her mother’s former lovers to her wedding, knowing that one of the three is her father.

Catalyst character Sophie is wonderfully played by Sarah Morrison, an excellent performance that it is well supported by Stephen Mahy as fiancé Sky and by Monique Sallé and Jessica Di Costa as best friends Ali and Lisa.

The real leading lady of Mamma Mia! is the mama role - Donna Sheridan, fabulously played by Natalie O’Donnell, in a bravura performance. She also has amazing off-siders in the form of audience favourites Tanya (Jayde Westaby) and Rosie (Alicia Gardiner). An outstanding trio that continue to surprise throughout.

The potential fathers are also excellent. Phillip Lowe is a wonderfully unlikely former headbanger as Harry, Joseph Ber brings lovely laconic style to Bill Austin and Ian Stenlake is attractive and passionate as Sam Chamichael. 

Rounding out the cast are Donna’s employees Eddie (Alex Gibson-Giorgio) and Pepper (Sam Hooper), both strong characterisations, and Stephen Anderson who nicely presides over a most unusual wedding.

The ensemble are simply indefatigable, with very high energy performances throughout - especially the Bachelor and Hen’s Parties, which are a highlight, and Sophie’s nightmare - an amazing sequence, expertly choreographed by Tom Hodgson.

Linda Bewick’s set design is fairly simple for a big budget show, with minimal use of flies and set ‘changes’. Donna’s Taverna and its surrounds are wonderfully created. Both set and costumes have a great use of colour and Suzy Strout’s costuming, has a great sense of fun.

The band are hidden in or behind the Taverna, with sound quality excellent throughout.

Perth’s Opening Night crowd needed no encouragement to rise to their feet to dance through the last few numbers. Mamma Mia! is a wonderfully upbeat show with appeal to all ages that will be loved by fans of Abba, admirers of a good musical and even by the reluctant “dragged along partners”. Great fun.

Reviewer: Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: James Morgan

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