A star is born. Such is the impact of sweet-voiced Belle Parkinson in the lead role in the up-tempo musical inspired by many of ABBA’s hit songs. From her first melodic note, she is utterly captivating as the bright and breezy Sophie Sheridan, who – on the cusp of her wedding day – yearns to know who her father is.
Energetic and heaps of good-natured fun, Mamma Mia! is unquestionably a mood lifter – a spirited delight. With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and some songs with Stig Anderson, it features 20+ ABBA tracks, seamlessly woven into the narrative.
The first act alone includes Money, Money, Money, Thank You for the Music, Chiquitita, Dancing Queen, Lay All Your Love on Me, Super Trouper, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight). After interval, there is SOS, Does Your Mother Know, Knowing Me, Knowing You, The Winner Takes It All, Take a Chance on Me and I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do. Musical director Kent Ross and a talented band bring these all back with distinction.
Originally conceived by Judy Craymer, British writer Catherine Johnson’s story of family and friendship unfolds on the fictitious, idyllic Greek island of Kalokairi. Sheridan is about to marry the man of her dreams, Sky, there. It is where her mother, Donna, owns and operates a taverna. Sophie would like to invite her father to the wedding, so that he can walk her down the aisle.
But as her mother has never revealed his name and doesn’t speak about him, Sophie is none the wiser. A chance discovery of her mum’s old diary though points to three men about whom Donna wrote fondly 21 years ago. So, without telling anyone, including her mother, or her fiancé, Sophie decides to invite each of them to her nuptials … at the behest of her mum. With the arrival of Sam Carmichael, Bill Austin and Harry Bright, hijinks abound.
The past is revisited and we learn about what has happened to the trio in the years since they were intimate with Donna. The lead up to the big day also involves two of Donna’s fellow singers and besties from decades back, when they performed as Donna and the Dynamos.
Strong vocalisation from Bek Chapman as Donna and playful interactions from Sasha Hennequin as Tanya and Antoinette Davis as Rosie are among the highlights. One scene in which Rosie and Luke Stephens, as intrepid traveller and writer Bill Austin, get it on outdoors just before the wedding is hilarious.
I was also taken by a sweet scene in which London banker Harry Bright, played sensitively by Shannon Foley, interacts with Donna in her bedroom. Sam Anderson is somewhat of a firecracker as architect Sam Carmichael, who has regretted leaving Donna for most of his adult life.
In fact, the 25-strong cast leaves nothing on the table as they sing and dance their way into our hearts in this well-choreographed production. The choreographer and assistant director is Adriana Pannuzzo. And what would an ABBA show be without some glitzy costuming, which peaks in the encore. Costume designer Karen Spencer take a bow.
A stunning, utilitarian and evocative set design, with eye pleasing blue and neutral colours, channels the kind of accommodation found on a sun-soaked Greek island. The set is that which was used by CLOC Musical Theatre. Featuring impressive sound and lighting design from Noah Chrapot and Ian Scott respectively, Mamma Mia! is triumphant.
Director Pip Mushin presents us with a memorable night of musical theatre that puts a big smile on your face. And circling back to where I began, Belle Parkinson announces herself as a performer with a big future. Mamma Mia! is on at the National Theatre until 8th March, 2026.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Mamma Mia! (Capitol) – theatre review
- Mamma Mia! (Princess) – theatre review
- Mamma Mia! The Musical (QPAC) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.