Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again In Nottingham! šā¤ļøš
Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. Today I will be talking about my review of Mamma Mia, which I saw on 1st October 2026 at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham!Ā
This tells the story of young bride Sophie who invites 3 men to her wedding hoping that one of them will be her father.Ā As Iāve seen this show before (which you can click the link here for when I went to see it in London: https://www.theautisticactress.com/post/the-show-that-i-ve-heard-about-before), some of what I say may be the same. But equally Iām just writing what I felt was relevant, which is the main thing for when I see shows.Ā
The role of Sophie was played by Hazel Baldwin. She had aĀ softness and gentle quality that makes you want to be her friend in real life. She also brought that headstrong side to her, showing both Sophie's maturity and vulnerability for her age. I also thought she had a brilliantĀ vocal range and how for me, less is more when it comes to her voice. This can be seen in āI Have A Dreamā and moments in āHoney Honeyā where yes you have to project, but you donāt need to belt it out.Ā
The role ofĀ Sky, Sophieās fiancee, was played by Samuel Downey. HeĀ definitely did his homework when it came to taking on this role, bringing his soft caring side to her, and his quirky funny side when hanging out with his friends that did make me chuckle. I also loved Hazels and Samuelās on stage chemistry, particularly during āLay All Your Love On Meā, which did get a lot of people (including myself) hot and bothered, but in a good way. As it shows that they are a couple you donāt want to break apart.Ā To say that this was his West End debut, he did a brilliant job.
The role ofĀ Donna Sheridan was played by Jenn Griffin. I must say, throughout all of that she had aĀ brilliant voice, with a strong set of lungs as seen in āThe Winner Takes It Allā.Ā She was also the first actress to make me cry during a song, which is a good thing as itās a sign that itās moved me.Ā I also loved her interpretation of Donna, showing her motherly instincts whilst also having brilliant chemistry with Hazel, along with having brilliant chemistry with Samuel, highlighting how Donna really made Sky feel like part of the family.
The roles of Donnaās friends Tanya and Rosie were played by Sarah Earnshaw and Lauren Woolf. For Sarah, who played Tanya, she definitely brought thatĀ funny, witty and quirky side to her. All whilst caring for Donnaās best interest and asserting her authority in āDoes Your Mamma Knowā. Lauren Woolf, who played Rosie, definitely brought the comedy into this character, and like in the production in London, Lauren was able to convey that relatability of romance to me, and after seeing her version of āTake A Chance on Meā,Ā to me in terms of romance, and it definitely got me inspired to apply for roles like her in the future (even if the singing and dancing need abit of work lol!).Ā
The three potential dads of Sophie that were Sam Carmichael, Bill Austin and Harry Bright were played by Richard Taylor Woods, Simon Victor and Arvid Larsen. My Nan did wonder how they managed to keep up their stamina at the age they are, and I know the exact answer to itā¦ consistency, hustling, building up stamina when it comes to touring productions and in the words of Stephen Graham, they did the work to make it look like they didnāt do the work.Ā For Sam, played by Richard Taylor Woods, he definitely showed theĀ caring side towards Sophie, and definitelyĀ did his homework when it comes to Sam and Donnaās relationship, giving a beautiful rendition of āKnowing Me Knowing Youā. I also admire how Richard showed both his hostility towards the island and Donna, but maybe it was a guard to show that his feelings for her never changed.Ā For Bill, played by Simon Victor, he definitely brought that comedy awkward side to Bill, and his presence on how he interacts with Sophie, Donna and Rosie was infectious. What I liked about him was that he looked like the type of guy you would see in the scenario. That may sound abit controversial depending on how you want to read it, but in this industry a lot of the jobs that you apply for do come down to the headshot. And Simon looks like that type of guy who would be a guy great in comedic characters like Bill.Ā Finally, for Harry Bright, played by Arvid Larsen, he was definitely still theĀ Quirky, outgoing and flamboyant man that Donna still remembered. But Arvid certainly had a unique voice which I donāt think Iāve heard in many interpretations of this character. That is a good thing, as it gives me a nice fresh approach for the character. I also agree with a lot of the older generation coming in when I noticed that he has a very good body for a man of his age, particularly moments before the number āDoes Your Mamma Knowā.Ā
Iāve got to mention a view of the other actors who were part of the ensemble and played key characters. These included Ashton Sharp, who played the outgoing Pepper, who was cheeky, talented and itās safe to say the audience and myself were impressed by his stamina during āDoes Your Mamma Knowā, Albert Green, who played Eddie, who did his homework where he was kind of like Pepper, but a lot more calmer, and Iād definitely want to be friends with, and the Richard Vorster as Victor the Vicar. I also need to mention Rachael Seirian and Lex Richardson (who like Samuel definitely made her mark for her West End debut), who played Sophieās friendsĀ Ali and Lisa. They brought character to these roles, theirĀ energy really shone when being with Hazel as Sophie at the beginning, and also during āDoes Your Mamma Knowā with Tanya, and they definitely convinced me that I want to be friends with them if Ali and Lisa were real people.Ā
Like the show in London, the songs in this version were second to none! "Super Trouper" was my favourite, "Waterloo" during the Medley at the end got me up on my feet, and "Take A Chance On Me" had me laughing at both the scenario and relatability (and a possible karaoke song). Although unlike the production in London, I got abit emotional during āSlipping Through My Fingersā and āThe Winner Takes It Allā. I think itās because I was having a hard time recently, particularly when it came from the anniversary of my mums death, and I guess it brought back some memories.Ā
I donāt think I have any downsides to the show, but there were moments within the theatre where it did cause me some distractions. Would say the only thing that got me unsettled was some ladies in front of me muttering, and it was abit loud for me. I donāt know if the actors also heard it, but if they did, I admire them for carrying on.Ā
Overall I would give the show a full house of 5 out of 5.Ā It was entertaining, catchy, and with it being a busy week when I saw it, it was definitely a show to help me gain some self care. I also thought it was just as good as the show in London, bringing abit of that West End feel to different areas of the country (which is great for people who either can't afford London shows or if like me, you can go once in a while but not constantly).Ā
And that is it for my review of Mamma Mia. Let me know if youāve seen the show or when youāre going to see it if you havenāt already, and click the link below to find out which theatre near you. Itās on in the UK until 30th January before it goes for the international section of the tour, so you havenāt got long to book.
Also click on the link below for a mini vlog of when I went to see it with my Nan.Ā
See you soon for another blog. Until next timeā¦
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)Ā
Comments