Curve, Leicester
Tuesday 24th March, 2026
‘Thank you for the music’
There’s no denying that the world
is in a strange place at the moment; multiple wars, controversial political
leaders, and a cost-of-living crisis like none seen before. Watching international
events unfold can make it seem as though there is little to be joyful about at
present. So now, more than ever, we need a little escapism. And Mamma Mia! is just the slice of cheesy
sunshine to counter the doom and gloom of daily life. The show bursts with
energy, laughter and stonking great music; it’s the epitome of feel-good.
Surrounded by the rustic idyll of a
small Greek island, young Sophie hatches a plan to reunite her mother with the
three men that may or may not be her father in time for her wedding.
Friendship, romance, family bonds and second chances are explored and
celebrated in delightfully pop-tastic style, while maintaining a very British
sense of humour. The ABBA jukebox musical is over 25 years old now, and feels
fresh yet timeless thanks to its simple storytelling and unpretentious
production. Catherine Johnson’s book and Phyllida Lloyd’s direction let the
relationships between characters lead the plot, fostering infectious
camaraderie (who wouldn’t want to be friends with Donna and co?) and erring
just on the right side of sentimentality. Amid all this, Benny Andersson and Björn
Ulvaeus’ songs shine. Every number is a certified banger and the music has been
carefully curated to fit the action, whether in heartfelt earnestness
(‘Slipping Through My Fingers’), sucker-punching accuracy (‘The Winner Takes It
All’) or tongue-in-cheek glee (‘Chiquitita’).
The simplicity of the story and
production also lets the cast shine as they jive their way through party-like
ensemble numbers such as ‘Voulez-Vous’ and the post-curtain Mega-Mix, while
also allowing each individual character their moment in the spotlight. Jenn
Griffin makes for a naturalistic and unassuming Donna, who’s down-to-earth
nature occasionally gives way to full on power-belting diva mode. Rosie Glossop
and Sarah Earnshaw provide fine comedic support as Donna’s loyal friends Rosie
and Tanya, and the latter’s cougarish rendition of ‘Does Your Mother Know?’ is
a real highlight. The younger cast also impress, in particular Lydia Hunt excels
at imbuing Sophie with a strong will and youthful sass.
I’m struggling to think of other
shows that are filled with as much unadulterated fun; Lloyd, Johnson, Andersson
and Ulvaeus have created a gleefully giddy bop of a musical. The atmosphere was
electric, the audience ecstatic and united in their jubilant reaction, and this
current tour demonstrates why the show continues to be a sure-fire hit across
the world. 25 years on from its premier, Mamma Mia! exemplifies the old
adage, ‘if it ain’t broke…’, audiences know exactly what to expect when booking
tickets, and for a bit of much-needed comfort viewing that is no bad thing at
all. For a dose of bottled-joy and a tonic to everything else going on in the world right now you really can’t
get any better.
Mamma
Mia! plays at Curve until 29th March 2026.
For full tour details please visit:
MAMMA MIA!
International Tour | The Global Smash Hit
 |
| Sarah Earnshaw, Jenn Griffin and Rosie Glossop in Mamma Mia! Credit: Brinkhoff/Mögenburg |
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