The musical Mamma Mia has been making audiences tap their toes and clap their hands for 25 years, and it’s no surprise. This frothy fable is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its non-stop onslaught of ABBA hits and a flashy display of colourful costumes. It is exciting to see this production bring new life and energy into a show most of us have probably seen before (the Hollywood movie adaptation from 2008, or previous Showbiz production in 2016). The terrific blend of new faces beside stalwarts of the stage showcase an exciting mix of our local talent and create a party atmosphere on stage that radiates into the audience on opening night. 

The wonderful creative team deserve their own round of applause for making this production feel very fresh compared to previous incarnations. Director/ choreographer Hillary Moulder leans in hard to the fun with this production, making sure there is joy brought to life in every song and infectious energy in every scene. She and associate choreographer Gemma Kearney deserve their own standing ovation for the truly sensational choreography. And musical director Kimberley Wood ensures each song contains dynamic layers of sound vocally and instrumentally to elevate them above and beyond their life as the radio hits we all know so well.

Let’s be honest, the plot of this show is wafer thin. (So thin I notice a summary isn’t even included in the flashy souvenir program.) But what it lacks in sense, it makes up for in heart with a cast packed to the rafters with excellent triple threats. The acting, singing and dancing are all superb. 

Sarah Kelly is a tour-de-force as Donna. Her powerful vocals never miss a note and she brings me to tears twice in the second act. I am gutted that the shape of the show does not allow for applause after her tender and emotional rendition of ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’, but don’t worry, myself and the rest of the opening night audience more than make up for it following her show-stopping delivery of ‘The Winner Takes It All’.

As Donna’s faithful friends and backup singers, Rosie and Tanya, Bryony Jamison and Libby Fraser absolutely have us all in stitches with their clever physical comedy and impeccable timing. Both of them are accomplished performers and they bring their A-game to the stage in these zesty and memorable roles. 

Sophie Harris radiates in the role of Sophie Sheridan. Her vocals are dazzling and she delivers a sweet sense of naïveté to this wide-eyed ingenue, as well as some of the brilliant physical comedy she displayed earlier this year when she played Lauren in Kinky Boots (also for Showbiz). Her bridesmaids and besties, Ali and Lisa, are playfully brought to life by Bee Escobar and Emily Gunn, who provide ample support both vocally and emotionally.

As her fiancé, Sky, Eli Davis’s cheeky smile and sincerity serves his character well. But it is his best bros, Pepper and Eddie, who deliver some of the biggest laughs of the show. In these memorable roles Vito Strati and Jake McKay use every inch of their brains and brawn to create such silliness I’m still grinning thinking about their best bits.

The trio of potential dads – played by Tom Hart, Warwick Shillito and Jono Cartmell – are all charming, endearing and completely loveable. Add in a remarkable ensemble and you can understand why this production soars so high. With more than 30 people on stage this show is fizzing with energy and zeal. From the tips of their fingers to the tips of their toes – and across some washboard abs – the full company numbers are an absolutely highlight of each act.

The set and lighting designs (John Harding and Grant Robertson) serve the production well and create terrific atmosphere. The costumes (Lesley Burkes-Harding) are fun and flashy, with excellent attention to capturing the details of the 70s looks for Donna and the Dynamos while also showcasing the turn of the millennium styles. Without a doubt, the wetsuits worn in ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’ are a crowd favourite!

Everything about this show is a bit larger-than-life, but the emotional core remains steadfast with the universal themes of love, family and belonging. If you’re looking for a great night out full to the brim with timeless tunes, rich harmonies and colourful costumes, look no further than Showbiz Christchurch’s production of Mamma Mia!

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