★★★★☆
Mamma Mia! Here I go again..?
When I was asked to review The Very Popular Theatre Company’s Mamma Mia! on the Gold Coast, I was hesitant. Having performed in Mamma Mia! myself just one month ago, I knew I was going to be looking at this production through a slightly different lens to any of my other reviews.
I know the songs, the story and the choreography intimately, so I was interested to see how another company would bring this much-loved show to life.
Mamma Mia! is a classic. A musical with ABBA hits intertwined throughout the story – what’s not to love? Everybody knows the story of soon-to-be-wed Sophie Sheridan, who invites her three potential fathers to her wedding.
The three men arrive not knowing the real reason they have been invited. Donna Sheridan, Sophie’s mother, is less than pleased to see the men arrive just hours before the big day. What follows is a tale of friendships, love and some hilarious one-liners.
Director Erin James delivers exactly what audiences on the Gold Coast want from Mamma Mia! – a fun, high-energy and uplifting production.
A jukebox musical’s only downside is that it can attract an audience who may not be familiar with theatre etiquette. Pair that with a production held at The Star Casino, and on opening night, it certainly brought a few distractions from the action onstage.
Throughout the show, I could hear empty cans hitting the wooden floor. There was a woman two seats down who was sending texts throughout the show, not to mention the man three rows in front who whipped out his phone at one point to take a photo. Thankfully, the cast remained completely committed despite these distractions and continued to put on a great performance.
Speaking of the cast, let’s talk ensemble. With an ensemble of 20 alongside the leads, the large dance numbers had a lot of bodies on stage. Choreographer Rachel Stark does a great job managing this, with the dance numbers remaining tight and in sync.
In a cast this large, the slightest arm movement or line out of place can become very noticeable, but the ensemble works together exceptionally well.
The ensemble vocals are strong, with beautifully balanced harmonies creating some particularly joyous moments. Unfortunately, the orchestra occasionally overpowered the vocals, making it difficult to hear some of the ensemble singing. There were moments where I just wanted to close my eyes so I could focus on the voices.
That said, the orchestra itself is fantastic, bringing the instantly recognisable score to life from the very first notes. Under the musical supervision of Dan Wilson and conducted by Jonathon Gardner, the musicians bring energy and excitement to every beat. It was a joy to look around the audience and see heads bobbing along to the music.
In the role of Donna Sheridan, we have Erin Cornell, reprising the role from the Newcastle season in 2025. This character is no small feat, especially in Act Two, with one show-stopping number after another. Cornell plays Donna with undeniable confidence, giving her the light and shade she deserves while delivering an emotional journey vocally. The contrast between acts, and even between individual songs, is captivating.
Playing her daughter Sophie Sheridan is Emily Monsma, a recognisable name to many theatre fans. Monsma recently finished the Australasian tour of Wicked, where she performed in the ensemble and covered Glinda. She brings a beautiful naivety to Sophie at the beginning of the show, which gradually develops into strength.
Her energy alongside Sophie’s onstage best friends Ali (Juliette Coates) and Lisa (Katie Loxston) is pure joy to witness. The three have such natural chemistry that you can genuinely believe they’d been friends for years. There is no doubt Monsma is talented, reinforced by her vocals throughout the show. She is a delight to see in the role of Sophie.
Turning our attention to Donna’s best friends, Rosie (Jo-Anne Jackson) and Tanya (Chloe Rose Taylor), arrive to support their fellow dynamo during this stressful time.
Jackson’s portrayal of Rosie is so much fun to watch. Her attitude commands the stage, but she also reveals a more reserved and desperate side during Take a Chance on Me. A highlight of this number was when Jackson came down the ladder and literally stopped the show to catch her breath. I was laughing out loud along with the rest of the audience.
Taylor brings an air of confidence to Tanya without ever becoming cocky. There is a self-assuredness to her portrayal of Tanya’s sex appeal – she doesn’t need to flaunt it. Her hero number, Does Your Mother Know, is a crowd favourite in most productions, and this is no different. Whether it was Tanya playing with Pepper or the shirtless ensemble men, this number is hot.
Speaking of hot, I did wonder if the audition brief required that all the male cast had to be ripped. This was especially true for Pepper, played by Jake Ameduri, who spends most of the show showing off his abs or biceps. Ameduri is wonderfully performative in the role and, at times, had the audience eye-rolling at his lines. But that is Pepper; he’s always getting up your nose.
Playing Sophie’s soon-to-be husband, Skye, is Harley Dasey, who does a great job with a role that can easily become a forgotten part of the story. His accent is consistent throughout, and he is vocally confident in Lay All Your Love on Me. The more inebriated members of the audience gave a shriek of delight when a surprise pantsing of the groom occurred.
The three dads, Sam (Matt Edwards), Harry (Timothy Aaron Cooper) and Bill (Danny Folpp), are the final piece of the Mamma Mia! puzzle. These three characters are all very different, and the actors play those contrasts well.
Edwards brings an emotional integrity to Sam and shows this dynamic particularly well in his song SOS. Folpp has great chemistry with Rosie in Take a Chance on Me and excellent comedic timing when delivering his many funny one-liners.
The standout for me is Cooper and his portrayal of Harry. His character’s emotional arc throughout the show is clearly defined, and his vocals are a highlight. I found myself eagerly awaiting his next song, which is always a good sign.
Special mention also has to go to Set Designer Josh McIntosh and Lighting Designer Christopher Snape. The large set pieces changed seamlessly between scenes, which was impressive to watch onstage.
I particularly love the benches and long tables used during Super Trouper, which are then transformed into a catwalk. It is such an effective and clever use of the set, and was one of those moments that made me appreciate the thought that had gone into the design.
The lighting is colourful, bright and spectacular, often perfectly timed with the orchestra. It adds another layer of energy to the production and makes the larger musical numbers feel even bigger.
There were several moments where microphones were not turned on in time for certain lines of dialogue, which was unfortunate. It’s something I have noticed across several productions recently. While I don’t think it took away from the story here, it did briefly pull the audience away from the Greek Islands. Hopefully this is something that can continue to be refined.
For a show built around some of the most recognisable songs in musical theatre, Mamma Mia! is ultimately about joy – and this production delivers plenty of it. From the infectious ABBA score to the energetic ensemble and a cast clearly having a great time, there is plenty for Gold Coast audiences to sing, laugh and dance along to.
Mamma Mia! is presented by The Very Popular Theatre Company and runs to 20 September at The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach Qld 4218.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://mammamiagoldcoast.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/mammamiagc/
Photo credits: Peter Wallis, Wallis Media
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