Review – Mamma Mia! the Musical – Congress Theatre, Eastbourne and National Tour.

There are few musicals capable of lifting an audience’s spirits quite like Mamma Mia!, and the latest UK national tour proves that the enduring appeal of ABBA’s unforgettable songs is matched by a production packed with warmth, humour and heart. More than a quarter of a century after its debut, the show continues to delight audiences of every generation, inviting everyone to escape to a sun-drenched Greek island where romance, family and friendship take centre stage.

At the heart of the production is Jenn Griffin, who delivers a wonderfully rounded performance as Donna Sheridan. She captures both the strength and vulnerability of the fiercely independent single mother and hotel owner, balancing moments of comedy with genuine emotional depth. Her powerful vocals drive the production forward, while her natural stage presence makes Donna a character the audience quickly invests in.

The friendship between Donna, Tanya and Rosie remains one of the show’s greatest strengths, and Sarah Earnshaw and Rosie Glossop are superb companions to Griffin. Earnshaw’s glamorous Tanya is full of confidence and comic timing, while Glossop’s delightfully quirky Rosie steals many of the evening’s biggest laughs. Together, the trio create an infectious sense of fun, reminding us that lifelong friendships deserve just as much attention as the romantic relationships.

Lydia Hunt is equally impressive as Sophie Sheridan. Bringing warmth, optimism and plenty of charm to the role, she perfectly conveys the excitement and uncertainty of a young woman searching for answers before her wedding day. Her chemistry with Joe Grundy‘s Sky feels sincere and believable, giving the central love story a strong emotional foundation.

The three potential fathers each bring their own personality to the island. Luke Jasztal gives Sam Carmichael a quiet sincerity that develops beautifully as the story unfolds. Mark Goldthorp brings an abundance of character to Bill Austin, while Richard Meek offers a warm-hearted and endearing portrayal of Harry Bright. Their contrasting performances are wonderfully engaging, while adding plenty of humour along the way.

Among the younger cast members, Bibi Jay and Maisy Wignall (standing in for the indisposed Eve Parsons) make an energetic and likeable pairing as Sophie’s best friends, Ali and Lisa, providing lively support throughout. Joseph Vella and Ethan Casey-Clothier also give memorable performances as Pepper and Eddie, injecting youthful energy into the ensemble scenes with enthusiasm and excellent comic timing.

Musically, the production remains as irresistible as ever. The band delivers ABBA’s timeless catalogue with sparkle and precision, allowing each familiar hit to feel fresh without losing the nostalgic magic audiences have come to expect. Every number is greeted with obvious enthusiasm, and the energy only builds as the evening progresses towards its celebratory finale. Visually, the production continues to impress. The whitewashed Mediterranean setting instantly transports the audience to a picturesque Greek island, while colourful costumes and imaginative lighting create a bright, summery atmosphere throughout. Slick choreography ensures that every ensemble number bursts with life, making full use of the stage without ever feeling overcrowded.

What makes Mamma Mia! endure is its remarkable ability to combine humour, heartfelt emotion and irresistible music into an evening that never takes itself too seriously. Beneath the laughter lies a touching story about family, forgiveness, friendship and finding happiness in unexpected places. As the final songs bring the audience to its feet, the theatre becomes a celebration rather than simply the end of a performance. Smiles are everywhere, applause is enthusiastic, and it’s impossible not to leave feeling uplifted.

This latest UK tour is a joyful reminder of why Mamma Mia! remains one of the nation’s favourite musicals. With an outstanding principal cast led by Jenn Griffin, polished performances throughout and an atmosphere of pure feel-good entertainment, it delivers exactly what audiences hope for: two and a half hours of sunshine, laughter and unforgettable music.

*****   Five Stars