Mamma Mia!

Just when I thought I’d had my fill of Mamma Mia! — the indefatigable 1999 jukebox juggernaut powered by ABBA’s glittering catalogue — along comes AGTHEATRE who is mounting a full 24-show run (a triumph for any theatre company) proving that this island getaway still has plenty of sunshine left to give.

Under the assured and artful eye of acclaimed Director Pip Mushin (Midnight – The Cinderella Musical, Little Women the Musical, Evita starring Tina Arena) and Executive Producer Andrew Gyopar, this production doesn’t merely revisit familiar territory — it reinvigorates it. Mushin steers the show with clarity and pace, allowing both the comedy and the heart to land with renewed impact. The result is a cast that glows from within. Energetic without being frantic, vocally polished without sacrificing character, and utterly committed to the story they’re telling. These aren’t caricatures trading on nostalgia; they are vibrant, fully realised people navigating love, regret, and second chances.

The stunning set design whisks the audience to a sun-drenched Greek island, bursting with Mediterranean colour, ambience, and beauty. Whitewashed villas with bright blue shutters, terraced balconies, a jetty and cobblestone paths create a world brimming with warmth and island charm. Costumes designed by Karen Spencer truly dazzle. Flowing dresses, breezy shirts, vibrant skirts, and sun-kissed accessories (even a snorkel and flipper here and there) bring every character to life. Sophie’s bridal white glows with innocence and hope whilst Donna’s bohemian elegance radiates freedom and charisma. Together, set and wardrobe craft a vivid, joyous paradise where romance and secrets collide in a spectacularly unforgettable show.

Adriana Pannuzzo’s choreography (Avenue Q, Dogfight, Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue) is nothing short of breathtaking. Every move showcases the strengths of the performers, elevating the show to dazzling heights. The high-energy dance numbers are electrifying, with each ABBA hit demanding intricate, joyous movement — and the company delivers flawlessly. Standout moments include the comic precision of “Money, Money, Money” (a clever nod to the original Anna and Frida choreography with iconic head turns), the infectious pulse of “Mamma Mia!”, the pulsating disco beats of “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” and “Voulez-Vous”, and the intense, kinetic drama of Sophie’s nightmare in “Under Attack”. It’s choreography that makes your heart race and your feet tap. The audience couldn’t resist joining in clapping, cheering, and even singing along during the high-energy numbers — unleashing a level of excitement usually reserved for the Act Two finale.

Lighting designer Ian Scott creates a visually stunning stage, perfectly capturing the sun-drenched brilliance of the Greek island, the gentle glow of evening, and the vibrant energy of wedding and party celebrations. Sound designer Noah Chrapot balances music, vocals, and orchestra with clarity and precision, supporting the performance without ever overwhelming it. Together, their work delivers a polished, cohesive technical foundation that allows the production to shine.

Under the masterful musical direction of Kent Ross (West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music), the orchestra soars, bringing together an exceptional group of talented musicians. The result is a band of stunning precision and vitality — every note crisp, every beat perfectly timed. Rarely does live musical direction hit this level of excellence. Truly, a standing ovation is deserved for Ross and his extraordinary ensemble.

Bek Chapman (Ladies in Black, Jazz Men, Death to a Butterfly) absolutely commands the stage as Donna Sheridan, the spirited, fiercely independent single mother running a sun-soaked Greek island taverna. Overflowing with charm, wit, and heart, Chapman delivers a performance brimming with authenticity. Her renditions of “Slipping Through My Fingers” and the Act Two showstopper “The Winner Takes It All” are breathtaking, moving many in the audience to tears.

Belle Parkinson (Cruel Intentions, Bearded, Footloose) sparkles as Sophie Sheridan, Donna’s determined daughter on a heartfelt quest to discover the identity of her father before her wedding day. With honeyed vocals, effortless charm, and natural stage presence, Parkinson brings warmth, sincerity, and captivating energy to every scene. Her performances of “I Have a Dream”, “Honey, Honey”, and “The Name of the Game” showcase her versatility and skill. Together, Chapman and Parkinson are impossible to look away from, delivering performances so powerful, effortless, and unforgettable they demand recognition.

Sam Anderson (Avenue Q, Catch Me If You Can, RENT) captivates as Sam Carmichael, the warm-hearted architect from Donna’s past and one of Sophie’s possible fathers. Grounded, witty, and full of heart, Anderson delivers unforgettable vocals in “SOS” and “Knowing Me, Knowing You”, imbuing every scene with charm and sincerity. Shannon Foley (Guys & Dolls, Les Misérables, La Bohème) dazzles as Harry Bright, the playful, fun-loving English banker. Brimming with dry wit, flair, and comic timing, Foley infuses the island’s wedding chaos with humour and heart, particularly shining in the moving duet “Our Last Summer”. Luke Stephens (Eureka, Sideshow Alley, Pyjama Game) is Bill Austin, the adventurous, flirtatious Aussie whose easy-going charm sparks romance, mischief, and laughter, especially in his hilarious “Take a Chance on Me” duet. Together, these three seasoned performers bring decades of stage experience, fully inhabiting their roles with warmth, authenticity, and infectious energy.

Antoinette Davis (Heathers, Disco Pigs, In Transit: An Acapella Musical) shines as Rosie, while Sasha Hennequin (The Color Purple, I Met an Angel Named Jacques, Passing Strange) dazzles as Tanya, Donna Sheridan’s best friends and former singing partners in the iconic trio, Donna and the Dynamos. Their performances are a breath of fresh air—packed with sass, impeccable comedic timing, stunning vocals, and infectious charm. Davis and Hennequin bring warmth, energy, and irresistible personality to the stage, making their characters both utterly believable and completely lovable. Their renditions of “Dancing Queen”, “Super Trouper” and encore finale “Waterloo” (performed alongside Bek Chapman) were vivacious and joyous highlights of the show!

Jesse Vasiliadis (We Will Rock You, The Last Sunday in June, Much Ado About Nothing) shines as Sky, Sophie’s devoted fiancé, navigating love and a whirlwind of wedding-day chaos. Bursting with warmth, charm, and infectious energy, Vasiliadis lights up the stage at every entrance, particularly in his exhilarating rendition of “Lay All Your Love on Me”.

Elena Atanasovski (Footloose, Cruel Intentions, Oz: The Cirque Experience) sparkles as Ali, and Ally Long (Legally Blonde, Urinetown, I Promise This Isn’t About You) shines as Lisa, Sophie Sheridan’s best friends and soon-to-be bridesmaids. Their performance alongside Belle Parkinson in “Honey, Honey” bursts with fun, sass, and effortless charm, radiating natural chemistry and stage presence that lights up the stage.

Abe Geyer (Blood Brothers, Shrek, Imagine LIVE) plays Pepper, and Deklan Haas (Terrapin Puppet Theatre, The Boy From Oz, Spring Awakening) is Eddie, two of Donna Sheridan’s cheeky tavern staff and mischievous island locals. Both ignite the stage with infectious energy in “Lay All Your Love on Me”, while Geyer sizzles in “Does Your Mother Know” alongside Sasha Hennequin, delivering one of Act Two’s most sassy, high-octane numbers. Their charm, timing, and magnetic stage presence bring a playful spark to the ensemble, infusing every scene they touch with fun, mischief, and undeniable energy.

This production of Mamma Mia! brilliantly reminds us why the show has been a global phenomenon for more than 25 years. ABBA’s unforgettable songs radiate with joy, the story bursts with fun, and the pace races energetically from start to finish. This cast are consummate triple threats, dazzling in song, dance, and performance, many matching the skill, charisma, and stage presence of top Broadway and West End stars.

After seeing AGTHEATRE’s glorious production of Mamma Mia! I realise ‘just how much I’ve missed you!’

Jonathan Cox

Photographer: Natalie Edge Photography