Mamma Mia, The Smash Hit Musical, Birmingham Hippodrome | 13 May 2026 ‘till 30 May 2026 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray

Photo credit: by Brinkhoff Mögenburg

Mamma Mia, The Smash Hit Musical

Birmingham Hippodrome | 13 May 2026 ‘till 30 May 2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review by David Gray & Paul Gray

“Packed with Abba hits, this show remains a copper-bottomed theatre filler.”

After 27 sellout years, it goes without saying that this show is a sure-fire crowd pleaser. Drawing on some of Abba’s greatest hits - and one of two less recognizable numbers - it bounces from one beautifully crafted, melodically memorable & emotionally well-calibrated song to another.

On the surface, the plot is bubble-gum but, on closer examination, it deals with hefty matters that will touch all of us at one point or another in our lives: the sometimes difficult relationship between parents and children; the role parents play in building our identity; commitment; the transition to adulthood - and so on. However, it does this in a heartfelt and relatable way.

Unlike many jukebox musicals, the plot is cleverly crafted so that the songs are tightly integrated. They are not a superimposition; they work so well because the composers have a knack for creating songs that come with their own dramatic context. They all seem to be part of a very real situation that is either happening or has just happened. It is this quality that really makes the songs work in a dramatic setting.

This is particularly true of a sequence of songs in the second act: Knowing Me Knowing You, Our Last Summer, Slipping Through My Fingers and The Winner Takes it All. These songs occur with a minimum of expository dialogue because they are all self-explanatory. And, because they are all so emotionally and compellingly authentic, they serve to turn up the dramatic heat so that The Winner Takes it All functions as a climactic moment of cathartic release: a brilliant example of dramatic sequencing.

The set is evocative and simple, so things are kept flowing along smoothly. An energetic (excellent) ensemble keeps energy levels high, with effective choreography flowing naturally in-and-out of the action. The big production numbers have physical presence and precision.

Dramatically and vocally the more comedic supporting characters are all strong. Rosie Glossop (Rosie) and Sarah Earnshaw (Tanya) both standout for their characterful and witty performances. Mark Goldthorp has terrific fun as a rather bumbling Bill Austin. Richard Meek is all naivety and boyish charm as Harry Bright - and also has one of the most genuinely pleasing voices in the show.

Lydia Hunt is convincing and compelling as Sophie; a girl on the edge of womanhood who already knows her own mind. Joe Grundy - as Sophie’s fiancée, Sky – is all charm and sex appeal.

The other leads, Jean Griffin as Donna and Luke Jasztal as Sam both deliver dramatically very strong performances. Both have been bitten harshly by life; so they are weary and wary but still have hope. Indeed, the chemistry between them is sparky, yet warm.

Vocally, however, something was not quite right. Griffin felt as though she was protecting her voice throughout the whole evening and only really let go during the aforementioned The Winner Takes it All. Here, she finally delivered a relaxed, open tone with tons of body and warmth. We could perhaps have done with a bit of that earlier on. Also, Jasztal’s voice felt rather tight and underpowered. Perhaps they both had a bug? A shame, because otherwise this show is one of the very best of its kind you could hope to see.

Cast

Sophie Sheridan – Lydia Hunt

Ali – Bibi Jay

Lisa – Eve Parsons

Tanya – Sarah Earnshaw

Rosie – Rosie Glossop

Donna Sheridan – Jenn Griffin

Sky – Joe Grundy

Pepper – Joseph Vella

Eddie – Ethan Casey-Clothier

Harry Bright – Richard Meek

Bill Austin – Mark Goldthorp

Sam Carmichael – Luke Jasztal

Father Alexander – William Hazell

Creatives ‍ ‍

Music & Lyrics by Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus

Book by Catherine Johnson

Director – Phyllida Lloyd

Choreographer – Anthony Van Laast

Production Designer – Mark Thompson