Not just a song name of a 70’s disco classic, and not just the popular Italian phrase we all seem to hear, no.., Mamma Mia! is also stage musical based on the songs of ABBA.
The Swedish pop icons Abba were one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of pop music, topping the charts worldwide from 1972 to 1982. ABBA sold over 375 million records worldwide which made them the fourth best-selling popular music artists in the history of recorded music, and they still sell between two to three million albums a year. It is therefore without a doubt that by bringing their best hits to the stage, they are legends that will never be forgotten.
Everyone loves a bit of Abba and what is more fun than seeing their songs being converted into one of the most celebrated stories? Well, that is just what Mamma Mia the musical is!
Abba’s songs have been used to create a wonderful, enchanting storyline about a young daughter, who on the eve of her wedding, seeks to discover the identity of her father from 3 men of her mother’s past.
The musical sees love, laughter and friendship through the emotional journey of this young girl. The way the songs seem to just fit into this story, makes you think the songs were written especially for the musical! It is quite a masterpiece, written by the incredibly talented British playwright Catherine Johnson. She has been able to create a truly compelling, magical, fun story by using some of Abbas most famous hits such as Super Trouper", "Lay All Your Love On Me", "Dancing Queen", "Knowing Me, Knowing You", "Take A Chance On Me", "Thank You for the Music", "Money, Money, Money", "The Winner Takes It All", "Voulez Vous" and "SOS
Popular among all ages, the show opened in the west end in 1999, and has been successful ever since. Composed by former members of the band Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the musical is now in its 12th year. The production has certainly proved how popular it has become, and with a blockbuster movie being bought out in 2008 it shows that ‘the winner takes it all!’
Mamma Mia Musical in London is definitely one to watch, dress up in your 70’s flares and platforms, and show who is the real dancing queen!