Review: Mamma Mia!
Showbiz Christchurch, until 12 October
Director / Choreographer: Hillary Moulder
Musical Director: Kimberley Wood
Associate Choreographer: Gemma Kearney
Reviewed by Kate Divett

If you’re up for a singalong, want to unleash your inner dancing queen – or simply desire an invigorating toe-tap – then Mamma Mia! You’ll be saying ‘thank you for the music’ all night long! The audience on opening night – many of whom were dressed in ABBA-worthy fashions – were amped for a great performance from the first strains of the Overture and the (momentarily blinding!) lights.

Showbiz Christchurch has selected a popular classic to headline their season this year. Filled with smash-hit songs from the ABBA catalogue, the musical Mamma Mia! is one of the top 10 longest-running shows in Broadway history and recently celebrated its 10,000th performance on the West End. The film version was a multi-billion dollar-grossing megahit. ABBA is one of the most popular pop / dance music groups in history.

The story – of a young girl hoping to discover the identity of her father before her wedding day by inviting the three possible candidates she has read about in her mother’s diary – deftly bobs in and out of the lyrics that are so well known on the dancefloor, but withstand fresh nuance within the show’s narrative.

Sophie Harris (Sophie Sheridan) quietly begins the show with the simple phrase, “I have a dream, a song to sing”. And does she ever! Harris brings the strength, humour and sweetness required of the role in a way that feels effortless and natural to watch. The relationships and exchanges she has with her castmates throughout the performance bring youthful life and energy to the stage, accentuated by her fabulous vocals and absolute confidence with the dance choreography. Harris is a charming, versatile, talented performer and audiences should look forward to this and all future opportunities to see her in a lead role.

Sarah Kelly (Donna Sheridan) gives full commitment to the artistry in her performance, showcasing her incredible technique and layered emotional expression. Having given such a warmly memorable performance in the 2016 Showbiz production of Mamma Mia as Rosie, it is fabulous to see her embody the role of Donna in a way that is wonderfully vulnerable, independent, vibrant, hilarious, and heart-wrenching. Kelly’s performance of “The Winner Takes It All” brought the house down, and was a highlight of the night. Bravo!

Kelly and Harris are supported by a lively, upbeat cast that brims with talent, both fresh and experienced. There are many fabulous moments, and several highlights. Bryony Jamison (Rosie) is an absolute crack-up throughout, and Libby Fraser (Tanya) kicks loose in “Does Your Mother Know”. Tom Hart (Sam Carmichael), Warwick Shillito (Bill Austin) and Jono Cartmell (Harry Bright) are a glorious trio of potential fathers. Vito Strati (Pepper) and Jake McKay (Eddie) have some laugh-out-loud comedic moments, which is much enjoyed. The boys of the Ensemble certainly kicked up their knees and flippers in ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’, which did not disappoint!

In terms of crew and backstage team efforts, there is a fresh feel to this production that doesn’t go unnoticed. The choreography feels fresh and sharp, particularly in little touches such as the freeze-frames and robotic movements in “Mamma Mia”, which induced loads of laughter, as well as the larger company numbers. The costumes feel modern (and sometimes a tad cheeky), especially in the fluoro-nightmare scene that opens Act II (“Under Attack”).

On opening night we experienced an imbalance, at times, that made it difficult to hear the lead vocals when they were engulfed by the volume of the band and backing vocals. This is hopefully an early teething issue that could be resolved easily – but one worth mentioning as my ears were slightly ringing afterwards (I’m not usually shy of a little bit of volume!) and there were a few audience members who were seen protecting their ears during the encore who might have otherwise been on their feet and singing along. This shouldn’t detract from what was a fabulous performance, and the band – led with finesse by Kimberley Wood – is clearly enjoying themselves, along with some fabulous backing vocals.

So – ‘what’s the name of the game’? Mamma Mia! runs until October 12th, and Christchurch audiences should not let this show ‘slip through their fingers’. It’s been said before, and will likely be said many times again – this is an ABBA-solutely brilliant show, not to be missed!