Mamma Mia - Novello Theatre

I caught the outgoing cast last week and the new cast this week, both from the front row. I managed to sneak past some of the distracted ushers yesterday evening, so my ticket was only checked three times on the way to my seat instead of the usual seven. They do take security seriously.

This is selling very well, although a few more empty seats than there were. Very little chance of discounting any more. There's even little dynamic pricing. I booked these shows a bit late so paid more than I would like, but it you can book ahead, there are front row seats for £40 available for midweek performances, so I've proactively booked some random dates over the next year. I would have gone to the cast change matinee, but that really was outside my price range.

One change is that they now allow the bows and subsequent numbers to be filmed. I'm always impressed when the person next to me has an expensive SLR ready to whip out. I didn't film these, but maybe next time.

As to the show and cast? Some of the leads have changed, many have stayed, some of the swings have been promoted, many of the ensemble have changed. The scenes with Donna, Tanya and Rosie get more over the top every time I see them. Mazz Murray was on both times and it's impossible to imagine anyone better in the role. Otherwise, the new ensemble is more restrained. Far less bum grabbing (by the men) as they leave the stage, and no less than subtle indications that Sky has a very close relationship with one of his male friends, although there is more crotch slapping between the new Pepper and Eddie, so I guess it balances out.

I finally saw Stevie and Tobias together. They had such a short run, especially for TV show champions. I've been a fan of Tobias for a long time, and I hope the rumours he's going into BoM are true. I'm sure he's pegged for Elder Price, but I'd love to see him as Elder Cunningham. Stevie was always a bit non-traditional, but highly likeable. I will miss seeing the highly entertaining Arcangelo Ciulla as Pepper.

For the new cast, Izzie Maxwell (Sophie) is traditional and excellent. I saw Ben Irish camping it up so many times in Jersey Boys that it's odd to see him in such a masculine role. He sounds fantastic and does everything he can as Sky. He is older than is typical, but is in excellent shape, and none of this seems out of place. The oddest thing is why his friends are so much younger than he is. Thomas Walton (Pepper), I saw no end of times in the Jamie ensemble, so I already knew he could dance. The bit I didn't know from Jamie is that he must live in the gym. He did great. And it's also a treat to see one of my favourites from Newsies, Jack Bromage, lighting up the ensemble.

The new cast does feel fresh, so if you've not been to the Novello Theatre for a while, now's your chance. Just don't close your e-ticket on your phone too early. There's always another usher waiting around the corner!