Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia!

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Format: Musical
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Date: February 24 2015
Location: Liverpool Empire Theatre, Liverpool, England

I have been a huge fan of ABBA's music for many years; they created so many hit songs that are very famous and range from catchy sing-a-longs to slower, quiet tunes, but almost all have a clear message. Whether you love Dancing Queen or Money, Money, Money, most people will have a favourite ABBA song, and most ABBA fans will love almost all of their songs.

So when the musical Mamma Mia!, first established in the West End in 1999, finally came to Liverpool, I really wanted to see it. I knew of the storyline behind the show, I understood that it would be light-hearted and feel-good, and I also recognised that a strong, experienced cast would be on hand, but to incorporate the music of ABBA would enhance the experience as a whole. And Mamma Mia! certainly achieved that: a theatre-goer watching this show will recognise all of their favourite ABBA hits, but it is important to point out that even if ABBA's music were replaced by the songs of another band, or if the music featured consisted of original tunes, Mamma Mia! would still be a very enjoyable and memorable show. Of course, the ABBA soundtrack elevates it even greater.

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Shobna Gulati: "Mamma Mia! Is The Ultimate Feel-Good Musical"

Shobna Gulati as Tanya in
Mamma Mia!

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Empire Theatre

With the critically-acclaimed Mamma Mia! set to make its Liverpool bow, Mark Armstrong spoke to Shobna Gulati, an experienced stage performer also renowned for her television work in the likes of Coronation Street and Dinnerladies, about what theatre-goers can expect from the ABBA-themed hit Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! tells the tale of Sophie, who is preparing to marry the love of her life, Sky. In the run-up to the wedding, Sophie has a desire for her father to walk her down the aisle, but she does not know who her father is. However, she then finds her mother's old diary, which reveals intimate encounters with three men, any one of whom could be her father. In an attempt to learn the truth, she invites all three to the wedding, writing invitations from her unsuspecting mother Donna.

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