REVIEW: MAMMA MIA! brings sunshine, laughter and ABBA magic to Blackpool’s Winter Gardens

There are some shows you watch… and there are some shows you feel.

Last night, Central Radio headed to press night at Winter Gardens Blackpool to experience MAMMA MIA! - and from the moment the curtain rose, it was clear audiences were in for exactly what was promised: the ultimate feel-good night out.

Set on a sun-soaked Greek island paradise, the story follows Sophie as she secretly invites three men from her mother Donna’s past to her wedding in a bid to discover who her real father is. What unfolds is a heartwarming story of love, friendship and identity, all told through the timeless songs of ABBA.

While many audience members will know and love the hit films, this production still feels fresh, energetic and genuinely exciting to watch live.

Leading the cast, Jenn Griffin was outstanding as Donna Sheridan, delivering powerhouse vocals whilst perfectly balancing Donna’s strength, vulnerability and humour. Her performance during Slipping Through My Fingers was one of the most emotional moments of the night, with more than a few audience members visibly wiping away tears as Donna prepares Sophie for her wedding day.

Lydia Hunt shone as Sophie, bringing warmth and charm to the role, while Joe Grundy delivered great energy as Sky.

But one of the biggest highlights of the evening was undoubtedly Donna and the Dynamos.

Donna, Rosie and Tanya had the audience in stitches throughout the performance, perfectly capturing the friendship dynamic fans know and love. Their chemistry felt completely natural - three lifelong friends reminiscing, teasing one another and slipping effortlessly back into old habits. Sarah Earnshaw’s Tanya was particularly hilarious, with subtle facial expressions and perfectly timed gestures that landed laugh after laugh.

The trio of potential fathers - Sam, Bill and Harry, were also brilliantly cast, each bringing their own unique personalities, warmth and comic timing to the stage whilst staying true to the much-loved characters audiences know from the films.

Visually, the production delivers everything audiences could hope for from MAMMA MIA!.

The costumes were bright, bold and full of colour, while the staging remained simple yet effective - never distracting from the performances but still transporting audiences to the Greek island setting everyone wished they were holidaying on themselves.

The choreography was another standout feature.

The full ensemble brought incredible energy to every performance, filling the theatre with movement and excitement during the bigger musical numbers. At times, it genuinely felt impossible to stay seated as the music, choreography and atmosphere made you want to jump up and join the party.

The lighting design beautifully complemented the show too, helping bring those iconic ABBA songs to life in spectacular fashion.

And then came the finale.

As the cast returned to the stage dressed in iconic ABBA-inspired costumes, the entire audience rose to their feet singing, dancing and clapping along - turning the theatre into one huge celebration.

By the end of the night, it was clear this production delivers exactly what fans want: huge songs, belly laughs, emotional moments and an electric atmosphere from start to finish.

If you’re looking for an uplifting night out packed with nostalgia, fun and unforgettable performances, MAMMA MIA! at Winter Gardens Blackpool is well worth seeing for yourself.

And honestly? Blackpool feels like the perfect place for it.

MAMMA MIA! runs at Winter Gardens Blackpool until Sunday 3rd May. Book your tickets here: https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/mamma-mia-2026/

Want Central Radio to come to your event or local business? contact us today! https://www.central.radio/contact-us/