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Mama Mia! The Musical

Published by: Elspeth Rae on 18th Jun 2009 | View all blogs by Elspeth Rae

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MAMA MIA! The Prince Of Wales Theatre London

It's funny, because ever since I was little I have loved Abba songs, so it's not the music. No, I say, thank you for the music. And it's not the cast (although I could have wrung some of their necks at numerous times trhoughout.) I think it's the story.  I know it's meant to be funny, but the whole thing is so cliched and so unfeasible, that at times I looked across to my friends and others in the audience who weren't struck down with incurable mamamiaitis, and  watched a confused and clouded look wash over their faces.

The film was such a success, even though again I found it just bizarre, if enjoyable, because it had a great cast, as well as fabulous music, who played up to the ridiculousness, who made the whole thing seem so absurd, that it became real in its absurdity.  Julie Walters and Meryl Streep are the Queens of irony.

I think part of the problem may have been Niamh Perry, I'd Do Anything finalist and Sohie in the show.  I have nothing to say about her voice, other than, although sweet and pretty, at times it was boringly dull and static.  Although Sophie is definitely innocent, it could have been difficult Niamh to portray that innocence as such without it becoming insipid.  Sophie also needs to carry an essence of raw sexuality to her and the scene between her and Sky where they sing 'Don;t Go Wasting Your Emotions' was awkward and uncomfortable to watch.

The woman next to me stated the problem very succinctly.  "You are simply waiting for the 3 female friends; Donna, Tanya and Rosie to come back on and lift the whole show."  Katy Secombe, playing Rosie shines again in her role- the audience in absolute hysterics at her every move.  Sally-Ann Triplett is also a joy to watch, with her voice displaying the emotion and pain needed.

The ensemble too were superb and if it wasn't for their dance numbers and full voices in some of the Sophie and Sky scenes, the audience would have switched off. This new cast is worth going to see simply for the three women alone. They bring the whole show to life and get you singing along and dancing in the aisle by the finale.




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