Review: Sunshine in a bottle that hits all the right notes! - Mamma Mia plays MK Theatre until - Sat 24 Oct

What began as Judy Craymer's inspired idea has grown into a worldwide theatrical phenomenon, bringing the unforgettable music of ABBA to life in a heartwarming, feel-good adventure. Against the sparkling backdrop of a Greek island, a daughter's search for her family history leads to unexpected reunions, romance and plenty of fun.

I have to confess that I have always disliked jukebox musicals. Too often they feel contrived, cheesy and lacking in substance, so I arrived with fairly low expectations. How wrong I was. This production completely blew me away.

From the moment I entered the auditorium, I sensed this would be something special. The wings and backdrop featured a beautiful blue ripple effect that immediately evoked the sea and created a wonderfully warm atmosphere. Throughout the evening, exquisite lighting added depth and mood, with carefully placed spotlights and shadows enhancing every scene. At one point, the stage was bathed in pink, creating the most gorgeous sunset effect. It was atmospheric, evocative and beautifully judged.

The set was a triumph of simplicity and imagination. At first glance, the stage appeared almost bare, with just a couple of Cycladic houses whose whitewashed walls and blue doors instantly transported us to a Greek island. The real ingenuity lay in their design. Built in sections, they rotated to create entirely different locations, transforming effortlessly from taverna to home with the addition of a few tables and chairs. Even a movable treetop played its part in shifting the scene. It was simple, clever and wonderfully effective. Less really was more, and the design captured the spirit of a sun-soaked Greek island perfectly. I could almost feel myself on holiday.

The direction demonstrated remarkable vision and precision, while the choreography was an absolute delight: inventive, exuberant, slick, playful and often hilarious. It added enormous energy and personality to the production, constantly finding new ways to surprise and entertain. The costumes were equally impressive, bursting with colour and character, particularly when Donna and her friends appeared together. Everything felt thoughtfully conceived and beautifully realised.

What impressed me most, however, was the writing. The story was engaging, genuinely funny and cleverly constructed, with the music woven naturally into the dialogue. Rather than presenting one song after another, musical excerpts were incorporated into conversations, while full numbers were introduced at moments where they could have maximum impact. It was a brilliant approach that gave the songs real purpose within the storytelling instead of allowing them to overwhelm it.

And then there was the music.

The orchestra was outstanding, delivering beautifully judged arrangements that were lyrical, expressive and perfectly balanced. The sound supported the action without overpowering it, allowing both narrative and vocals to shine. In I Believe in Angels, bouzouki-like sounds added a particularly evocative Greek flavour, deepening the sense of place. Every element felt carefully calibrated, and the musical direction was superb.

Of course, these are ABBA songs, and for many of us they are woven into the fabric of our lives. Certain melodies carry memories that transport us instantly back to treasured people, places and moments. More than once, I found myself unexpectedly moved to tears. And that key change in Voulez-Vous? Absolutely spot on.

The vocals were glorious: crisp, clear, expressive and beautifully delivered. Hazel Baldwin as Sophie and Jenny Griffin as Donna were both marvellous, but Jenny Griffin was particularly outstanding. She combined exceptional vocal talent with commanding stage presence and complete assurance, making her an absolute joy to watch.

One of the evening's greatest strengths was the commitment of the entire company. The cast clearly loved this show, performing as a dynamic and seemingly unstoppable force. They brought enormous energy, enthusiasm and heart to every scene, and every performer contributed to the production's success.

We were seated in the circle, where the sound quality was superb. Every word was perfectly audible, the orchestra beautifully balanced and the musical levels exactly right, making for a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.

For me, the first half was especially strong, building momentum and becoming increasingly exhilarating. The second half contained a couple of scenes that did not quite maintain the same heights, and I felt the principal male role could have benefited from a little greater vocal strength and natural expression. These were minor reservations in a production that delivered so much pleasure.

If, like me, you have never been a fan of jukebox musicals, think again. This production completely changed my perception of what the genre can achieve when writing, direction, choreography, design and musical execution come together so successfully.

Warm, funny, uplifting and bursting with life, it reminded me of the power of live theatre to surprise us, challenge our preconceptions and leave us smiling long after the curtain falls. I shall certainly be watching the film again tonight, although I suspect it will be difficult not to compare it with this wonderful production.

A thoroughly joyous evening that exceeded every expectation. I went in a sceptic and came out a convert. What more could you ask for?

Performances run at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 13 - Sat 24 Oct. Tickets are available now via  ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.