Review: MAMMA MIA, Birmingham Hippodrome, 30 June 2016

Every year, the Birmingham Hippodrome bring a blockBuster West End musical to the UK's second city; a brilliant tradition eclipsed only in size and scale by their annual pantomime. The 2016 offering is Mamma Mia, bringing the azure-blue skies of Greece to the typically grey British summer in Birmingham.

The story follows Sophie, a young bride to be desperate to find her father. After reading her mother Donna's diary, Sophie secretly invites her three possible dads to the wedding and causes a quite a shock for Donna. Sophie spends her hen night questioning Sam, Bill and Harry in turn, whilst Donna experiences a wave of emotions as she confronts old flames and buried feelings.

The songs of ABBA are threaded throughout the story with varying degrees of success. Supertrooper and Voulez Vous create a dizzying, party atmosphere at Sophie's hen party, whilst I Have a Dream opens the show beautifully against a sea of shimmering blue. Less successful are The Name of the Game and Our Last Minute, which feel incongruous yet still add to the fun of the production.

The entire cast throw themselves wholeheartedly into the energy and joy of Mamma Mia, making the most of every humorous moment. Lucy May Barker is a sparkling Sophie, with clear, pop star-style vocals belting out every ABBA classic. Sara Poyzer is born to play the role of Donna - physically very reminiscent of Meryl Streep in the 2008 film, with the rich, emotional vocals of Agnetha Fältskog. Their mother-daughter relationship is extremely touching, especially during Slipping Through My Fingers.

The choreography is slick and sexy, performed by an ensemble positively crackling with boundless energy and high-octane smiles, sprinting onto stage at lightning speed. Louis Stockil, as Pepper, elicits cheers from the audience as he performs 10 huge straddle jumps in quick succession.

Anthony Van Laast's choreography is also bursting with wit, from the snorkel and flipper-clad men in Lay All Your Love on Me to the spectral, neon synchronised swimmers that haunt Sophie's nightmare in Under Attack.

Yet more laughs are provided by Donna's best friends: Jacqueline Braun as Rosie and Emma Clifford's elegant Tanya. Their friendship is warm and ever so relatable, righting the wrongs of the world over a bottle of wine and a good pop song.

Admittedly, the narrative is weaker in the second act and the use of songs becomes tenuous. However, like any good jukebox musical, Mamma Mia concludes with a fabulous mega mix, completed with high-kicking choreography, audience participation and metallic flared jumpsuits. The audience are on their feet, singing along, completely transported to this magical island.

Mamma Mia gives you glitzy costumes, high-polished performances and the iconic music of ABBA. It's easy-listening fun, perfect for adding a touch of Greek sunshine to a murky and uncertain British summer.

Photo: Brinkhoff M+Âgenburg

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