MAMMA MIA! review – here’s why this long-running musical remains the shimmering star of London’s West End

A rippling projection of the Aegean Sea transports the audience to a sun-drenched Greek island, while the orchestra signals the start of the show with an unmistakable marimba riff of Mamma Mia. Catherine Johnson’s breezy love story is both nostalgic and fresh. 

It’s been 27 years since MAMMA MIA! premiered in London’s West End, yet its multi-generational appeal continues to thrive. The high-energy musical’s popularity has only grown thanks to the hit film adaptations starring Hollywood stalwarts Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan – with rumours of a third film still whirling among fans.  

What’s MAMMA MIA! about? 

The show centres on struggling single mother and cash-strapped hotelier Donna and her 20-year-old daughter Sophie, who is planning her big white wedding to fiancé Sky. Determined to discover the identity of her father before walking down the aisle, Sophie secretly reads her mother’s old diary and invites three men from Donna’s past to the wedding – any of whom could be her biological father. 

Of course, the whirlwind plot is anchored around ABBA’s smash-hits, with feel-good songs including Money, Money, Money, Dancing Queen, and Voulez-Vous propelling the story forward. Each number perfectly captures the mood of the moment, from joyful reunions to bittersweet reflections. 

Much like the film adaptations, Donna’s reunion with her friends – the fictional girl group Donna and the Dynamos – injects the show with infectious energy and plenty of humour. As the wedding day approaches, old romances resurface, friendships are rekindled and long-buried secrets begin to unravel. The result is a warm-hearted story about love, family and discovering where you truly belong.

“Every person who watches can identify with at least one character, no matter what gender, race or age.” – Nicky Swift (Rosie) 

Standout performances  

Leading the current London cast of MAMMA MIA! is Sara Poyzer as Donna, reprising the role she played for 12 years in October 2025. “Donna has changed as I have changed,” she says. “As I gain life experience and hopefully wisdom, I bring that to the role.”  

Poyzer delivers a wonderfully grounded performance, balancing Donna’s fierce independence with warmth and vulnerability. Her vocals soar in the emotional Slipping Through My Fingers, while her scenes opposite Richard Standing’s quietly confident Sam Carmichael lend The Winner Takes It All a touching authenticity – knowing the pair are partners off-stage only deepens the emotional resonance. 

Kate Graham’s fabulously self-assured Tanya and Nicky Swift’s delightfully chaotic Rosie bring vibrant comedic energy to the stage. Their chemistry represents the affection of long-standing friendship, blending humour and nostalgia while celebrating both maturity and youthful spirit.  

Daniel Crowder shines as the charmingly awkward Harry Bright, while Tamlyn Henderson brings relaxed charisma to the free-spirited adventurer Bill Austin. Meanwhile, Sophie’s fiancé Sky – a former stockbroker who swapped London life for island simplicity – is supported by a lively male ensemble. A particular highlight comes during the riotous Does Your Mother Know, where Tanya’s playful standoff with Pepper (Benjamin Dawson) has the audience roaring with laughter.  

At the heart of the production is Ellie Kingdon as Sophie Sheridan, who encapsulates the character’s blend of youthful optimism and quiet determination with disarming sincerity. 

Dazzling set design and costumes

Mark Thompson’s whitewashed taverna and sweeping blue backdrops effortlessly distil the essence of a Greek island. Lighting shifts from golden sunsets to dramatic spotlights in the show’s vibrant party scenes, while costumes range from breezy linens – including Donna’s signature dungarees – to full disco glamour, with platform boots, hand-sewn sequins and plenty of spandex.

The musical concludes with a glittering encore, with an ABBA singalong that transforms the theatre into a full-blown disco. Sequins flash, the cast return in flamboyant outfits and audiences can’t help but clap, dance and sing along.

Book your tickets for MAMMA MIA! at the Novello Theatre now.

Make the most of your visit 

The Novello Theatre sits at the crossroads of Aldwych and Catherine Street (WC2B 4LD), right on the doorstep of Covent Garden and the Strand. Make a day of it and explore nearby highlights including London Transport Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum and Somerset House.

Where to eat and drink nearby:

• Vasiniko: For Neapolitan-style pizzas with billowing bases and mouthwatering veg-and-meat combos, secure a table at this neighbourhood pizzeria on Burleigh Street. We recommend the Diavolissima – a creamy nduja base topped with spicy salami, stracciatella cheese and fresh basil.
• Seven Dials Market: Need a quick bite? Choose between 21 independent vendors at this bustling indoor market – offering everything from smashburgers to tacos and dumplings.
• The Barbary: Electro-pop music and Israeli plates make this 24-counter space an ideal date night spot. Go for the sesame-flecked Jerusalem bagel and mop up the whipped cod’s roe before trying the harissa prawns with cucumber labneh and grilled sea bream with burnt tomato. 

More London theatre reviews 

Find inspiration for your next West End show with our reviews of crowd-pleasing productions such as Disney’s The Lion King, The Devil Wears Prada, and My Neighbour Totoro. Read our guide to London theatre for the best kids’ shows, limited-run productions and long-running classics.