It’s been just over twenty-five years since Mamma Mia opened in London’s West End, since then it has become a global phenomenon. With two motion pictures, several runs on Broadway and too many tours to count, the hit jukebox musical has made its way back to the Edinburgh Playhouse for the first time in six years to play the theatre’s coveted festive season. Mamma Mia plays the Playhouse until Sunday 4th January 2026.
The smash-hit musical featuring the monster hits of ABBA is set on a Greek Island in the late nineties, following Sophie Sheridan discovering that she may have three possible dads. To find out the truth, she invites these three strangers to her wedding. The fallout results in old flames being reunited, new romance blossoming and camp chaos in this heavenly musical.
The cast of this musical have the challenging task of taking on characters that are so well known within modern pop culture, yet on press evening it was clear that this company have the talent to breathe fresh air into this musical, bringing the characters the audience know and love to stage with ease.
Jenn Griffin leads the cast by bringing fierce vocals and a nuanced portrayal of matriarch Donna Sheridan. Griffin brings a more grounded British mother, this is complimented by her beautiful relationship with Lydia Hunt’s Sophie Sheridan. The highlight of Griffin’s performance is her stunning rendition of ‘The Winner Takes It All’, this really showcases Jenn’s vocal and emotional range, it is exquisite. Lydia Hunt also delights audiences with her vocals as Sophie, tackling numbers such as ‘I Have A Dream’ and ‘Under Attack’ with gusto. The quality and sound of her voice is simply sublime and suits the varied style of ABBA. Lydia also brings more of a lighthearted energy to Sophie, allowing room for comedy, which brings a bit more depth to the character. Both these women are spectacular leads in this production.
Donna’s backing singers come in the form of Rosie Glossop as Rosie and Marisa Harris (Cover) as Tanya – what a fantastic duo! They supply a majority of the comedy in this production and are just downright fabulous. Rosie’s ‘Take A Chance On Me’ instantly makes the audience go crazy, and Marisa’s ‘Does Your Mother Know’ is the best the number has been performed – wow what a voice! Delightful shenanigans from these two dancing queens!
Luke Jasztal’s portrayal of Sam brings a fierceness to match Jenn’s Donna, as well as quite a straight-laced approach, that being said, he nails the delivery when it comes to jumping into the songs that leave the auditorium reeking of mature cheddar with the sheer cheesiness – such as ‘SOS’ and ‘I Do, I Do, I Do’. Although his touching performance of ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ to Hunt’s Sophie was really quite lovely to watch. Dad number two, Harry Bright, is performed with such glee and nurture by Richard Meek, it really is a great portrayal, with a highlight being Richard’s performance of ‘Thank You For The Music’, a moment that silences the auditorium with his charming vocals filling the room. Finally Dad number three, Mark Goldthorp as Bill Austin is bloody hilarious – taking the character and switching up his origins to make him from Somerset, genius! Really funny and a great approach to the character.
Joe Grundy dazzles the audience with his lovely vocals, charm and impressive physique as Sky, everything you want from this supporting character. Bibi Jay as Ali and Eve Parsons as Lisa bring farcical flare to Sophie’s besties. With Joseph Vella brings stupendous energy, humour and warth as Pepper, accompanied by Ethan Casey-Clothier in his equally as energetic and cheeky portrayal of Eddie.
The ensemble for this production brings such vibrancy, powerful vocals and stupendous farcical antics to this show. The ensemble are as follows; William Hazell (Father Alexander), Brook Blackford-Jenkins (Swing), James Brice, Aled Davies, Rebecca Donnelly (Swing), Ryan Ebbrell, Erin-Sophie Halliday, Natorii Illidge, Jay Jobarteh, Sarah McFarlane, Jacob Morrish, Rachel Oates, Megan Speirs (Swing/Dance Captain), Cameron Sutherland, Richard Vorster and Maisy Wignall.
Mamma Mia is the godmother of all jukebox musicals thanks to the fact that its soundtrack is the sensational music of ABBA written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. ABBA’s hits are a real crowd pleaser, and this new production really leans on the fact they are the reason for the show’s success. Carlton Edwards’ Musical Direction turns the volume up and practically blows the roof off the Playhouse during ‘Voulez-Vouz’ and ‘Gimme Gimme (a man after midnight)’. The band and performers sound incredible, with one criticism being that the drums sounded a little tinny at points – apart from that the band play ABBA in all their glory.
Catherine Johnson’s book for this musical has become iconic – as light in depth and cheesy it is, it really is an engaging and fun narrative. Phyllida Lloyd’s original direction for this musical leans into the campness of ABBA and Johnson’s book, bringing audiences across the globe joy and hilarity. That being said, this new touring production perhaps relies too heavily on the music of ABBA and the audience’s familiarity with the film for its success, as compared to previous touring productions, it seems the direction for Johnson’s sharp and witty dialogue has been an afterthought. There are points where comedic cues are thrown away, and lines are tackled with pace and little emotion – this is not consistent throughout the entire show, but it is noticeable where several jokes that have landed during all previous productions are falling flat. Some bits of tidying and this production would be flawless.
Anthony Van Laast CBE helps push the energy of Lloyd’s vision by bringing killer choreography which just stupendously lifts each number. This production is also complimented by Mark Thompson’s really bright and simplistic set design, which radiates hints of Greece and Howard Harrison’s dazzling lighting design.
Mamma Mia has rightfully earned the crown as the (dancing) queen of all jukebox musicals. This international sensation never fails to deliver – Edinburgh audiences are in for a treat this festive season at the Playhouse.
Get tickets here – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mamma-mia/edinburgh-playhouse/
Photography by Brinkhoff/Mögenburg
Theatre Scotland 
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