Mamma Mia - Novello Theatre

Went to the show last night with 4 friends (Get into London theatre deal) and boy did I not stop smiling from start to finish (my 3rd time seeing the show)!

It’s one of those shows I totally forgive that the book is fairly light, it’s a little silly and that the majority of the plot is based around shoehorning in the ABBA songs but it has a lovely heart and it’s one of those warm hugs of a show!

The strongest cast I saw was back in October 2012 and whilst I wasn’t wowed by its current cast but they are doing a fine job. It was nice to see Gabriella in a new light as ‘Sophie’ then the bitch ‘Chris in ‘Carrie’ although it was odd hearing her in her northern accent and not American!

Now I must say though that bad behaviour from its audience seems to attract here, we had very excitable girls behind us. They spoke all through the overture but when this continued into a minute into the show I turned around gave a glare and told them to be quiet – sorry I am not very British here but if I didn’t say anything it would annoy me either more and if you don’t say anything they just think their behaviour is acceptable.

This did seem to keep them quiet after that although of course they got all screaming when the boys took off their clothes, came wading in wetsuits – to be honest I don’t blame them, may have gave a whoop myself ;-) In ‘Knowing me, knowing you’ a woman in front just broke into song for that particular song and every now and then people across the theatre sing along to a little part of a song – I can totally see why seem people will not see this show because of these reasons. I am pretty good (having told those girls off right at the start!) and at least it did mean that the dancing was very fun in the Dress Circle at the end!

Tempted to go back to see Linzi Hateley. Anynody know if there is a regular schedule for her alternate like in Phantom? Checked both their twitters but no info there.

Rumour has it either this or Kinky Boots will be moving/closing to make way for The Waitress....

Mamma Mia has never really appealed to me, so on a personal level I wouldn't miss it. If it were to close, it could I suppose having closed on Broadway, it would be the better of the two options, at least in terms of theatre size, for Waitress.
To be honest, if Mamma Mia were to close at the Novello,
I can't see it moving to a fourth theatre, especially a Delfont Mackintosh theatre, and would there even be any theatres smaller than the Novello that could cater for the production and allow the running costs to be continually met.

Why would you move or close either of these two successful shows for a show which only won two awards on Broadway (best Actor, and best featured Actor).

Mamma Mia is certainly still packing them in. It doesn't make much financial sense to risk it all on something nobody over here really knows about.

Or go On and On and On

I'd be surprised if Mamma Mia closed but I could see it happening. I don't think it has outstayed it's welcome at all to be honest, people go because they know what they're gonna get: a fun night out at the theatre with songs everyone knows. If it did close, I doubt it would move theatres for a 4th time - where would it move to?

Regarding Kinky Boots, it's only been open just under a year so I doubt that'll close either. Maybe in a few years but not know surely? Seems popular.

I think Waitress could go to the Aldwych if Beautiful isn't doing too well or maybe even the Harold Pinter

Does anyone know when the alternate actress for Donna performs? I'm seeing the show on a saturday matinee and I'm a big fan of Linzi Hateley so really hope I get to see her!

It's a Tuesday... I think. Don't quote me on that though!

It's def Wednesday night (barring illness or holiday)!

Enjoy

Mamma Mia? Here you go again . . . 

Why I am not surprised that it's your guilty pleasure....