There is something reassuringly joyful about the return of MAMMA MIA! THE MUSICAL, now playing at Swansea Arena through to 24th January. You might think you know this show inside out. Two hugely successful films, countless amateur productions, jukebox playlists worn smooth by repetition. And yet, sitting in the auditorium as the lights go down, it becomes immediately clear that nothing quite compares to Mamma Mia! experienced live on stage.
The success of the original movie and its sequel is undeniable. They introduced a whole new generation to ABBA’s back catalogue and cemented the story as a global favourite. But film, for all its gloss, cannot match the shared thrill of live theatre. The laughter feels louder, the emotion lands deeper, and the music hits your chest rather than your headphones. Mamma Mia! is at its best when it is communal, and Swansea audiences have clearly embraced it as such.
This touring cast is uniformly strong, delivering performances that feel confident, warm and refreshingly grounded. At the heart of the production is ASHLEIGH JONES as Donna, and she is superb. Jenn brings real grit and determination to the role, never smoothing off Donna’s rough edges. Her performance is funny, yes, but it is also full of heart. This Donna has lived, struggled and loved fiercely, and Jenn makes us believe every moment of it.
As Sophie, LYDIA HUNT is perfectly cast. She brings an open, youthful sincerity to the role that anchors the show emotionally. Her vocals are clear and expressive, and her chemistry with Ashleigh feels natural and unforced. Their relationship is the emotional backbone of the story, and it is handled with care and honesty throughout.
Rosie and Tanya are characters audiences often arrive already loving, and this was evident from the moment they stepped on stage. ROSIE GLOSSOP as Rosie and SARAH EARNSHAW as Tanya were met with a ripple of applause on their first entrance, a testament to how beloved these roles are. Rosie Glossop’s Rosie is warm, sharp and wonderfully human, while Sarah’s Tanya strikes the perfect balance between glamour and self awareness. Together with Ashleigh, they form a trio that feels genuinely lived in, full of shared history and affection.
The male leads deliver exactly what audiences hope for and then some. LUKE JASZTAL brings charm and emotional depth to Sam, while RICHARD MEEK as Harry is gentle, funny and quietly touching. MARK GOLDTHORP nearly steals the show as Bill, leaning fully into the West Country humour and earning big laughs without ever tipping into caricature. Their performances feel generous and playful, and their scenes together crackle with easy chemistry.
Even though the stage musical came before the films, comparisons are inevitable. The good news is that boxes are firmly ticked on all fronts. The characters feel familiar without being imitative, allowing this production to honour what audiences love while still standing confidently on its own.
Visually, the set does a beautiful job of transporting us to a sun soaked Greek island. It is bright, fluid and cleverly designed to keep the action moving while maintaining a strong sense of place. Combined with thoughtful lighting, the stage picture consistently supports the storytelling without drawing attention away from it.
There are some Mamma Mia! scenes you wait for and Sky’s (JOE GRUNDY) stag do is one of them. If you’ve seen the film or show already, you know it’s coming. Watching a bunch of wet suit wearing guys, dancing around in flippers to ABBA’s ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’, is still one of the funniest things you’ll see on stage.
A special mention must go to the band, under the direction of CARLTON EDWARDS. The sound throughout the evening is rich, full and thrilling. ABBA’s songs are so deeply ingrained in popular culture that playing them well is both essential and surprisingly difficult. This band does them proud, filling the arena with an infectious energy that never falters.
And of course, the music itself remains the beating heart of the show. These songs are beloved for a reason. From the opening notes to the euphoric finale, the audience is fully with it, clapping, smiling and quietly singing along. Mamma Mia! has become more than a musical. It is an institution, a celebration, and for many, a cherished tradition.
As one audience member put it at the interval, “You just leave happier than when you came in.” It is hard to argue with that.
And of course, who doesn’t love a good wedding?
By the time we got the long-awaited Mega Mix, Swansea audiences were dancing in their seats – this is Mamma Mia! firing on all cylinders. This is the ultimate feel-good night out that delivers exactly what it promises – and more.
Watch part of the mega mix on our Instagram page HERE.
MAMMA MIA! THE MUSICAL is at the Swansea Building Society Arena through to 24th January. Tickets are now on sale, but you’ll need to be quick to get yours – HERE.
You can also read our original show feature HERE.
