There’s no getting away from it: Mamma Mia, which is playing at The Liverpool Empire until mid-March, is a superlative defying rollercoaster of a night out, packed with pace, puns, pathos and pneumatic costumes that almost make the eyes bleed with embarrassment that, yes, they were once considered de rigour.
Following a shaky start with some microphones – problems which in fairness were quickly sorted –
the hunt for Sophie’s dad is on,with a collection of 22 Carat Gold Abba Mega Hits as a back drop.
Come on, seriously, what’s not to love and the audience are up and applauding from the off.
As Donna, the mysterious mum of Sophie, Sara Poyzer is all control with a bit of devil-may-care thrown in which really brings a depth to her character that often goes missing, whereas playing Tanya, musical theatre debutant Shobna Gulati – following just three weeks of rehearsal – demonstrates brilliantly what it is to have comic poise, a killer singing voice, all the man-eating capabilities of a real live Cougar and a range of delivery that is astounding.
Richard Standing as Sam shows Pierce Brosnan what it is to have a singing voice, whereas Justin Thomas brings about his own hormone rush when he strips down to his chest to reveal a quite breath-taking torso. Oh, yeah, nearly forgot … he certainly knows how to act as well.
Yet without question it is the wit and guile and downright cheekiness of Sue Devaney as Rosie that truly sparkles. Barely a minute passes when she doesn’t have something feisty to say and all of which is carried with a remarkable ease which makes it all the funnier.
The lighting is exquisite, the music is to die for and the costumes are chocolate box smart, which all adds up to Mamma Mia being one heck of a party at The Liverpool Empire Theatre, and its guaranteed to continue until March 14th.
Mamma Mia
The Liverpool Empire Theatre
February 20 – March 14
Director: Mark Hilton
Author: Catherine Johnson
Cast Includes: Sara Poyzer, Shobna Gulati, Sue Devaney, Richard Standing, Niamh Perry, Mark Jardine, Michael Beckley, Justin Thomas.
PR Rating **** Outstanding