Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! may well be the most often performed musical in WA, in the last few years, but Stray Cats’ big, bright, and beautiful production at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, shows that it can still attract and thoroughly entertain a capacity crowd.

Well-produced, with a quality cast, this was a great looking production with a ‘traditional’ Greek taverna set, designed by Bronwyn White and Karen Francis, that served the show well. There was also some great projection work – especially during the Act II opening number “Under Attack” - that was highly effective. This production also had some beautiful production shots – few Australian theatres would be able to shoot realistic looking Greek Island backdrops with lovely aqua water, in their own suburb.

Two very likeable leading ladies, with terrific voices, anchored the show well. Ali Hill was a convincing, free-spirited Donna, who had great depth. Jocelyn Campbell was a sweet and charming Sophie, with whom we empathised.

“Honorary Aunties” Tanya and Rosie were played with solid comic chops by Kristie Corbishley and Joanna Wilson-Smale, receiving resounding entrance applause at their first appearance, which turned out to be well-warranted. Sophie’s potential fathers worked well together. Alex White was good fun as adventurous Bill, Scott Hansen brought great voice and conviction to Sam, with Paul Hayward singing and moving particularly well as Harry.

Lovely to see Bailey Bridgman-Peters, whom locals have literally seen grow up on stage, come of age as a romantic lead, playing Sky. He was nicely supported by Dylan Randall and Matthias Wolfgang Zver as Eddie and Pepper. Sophie’s best friends Lisa and Ali were very nicely created by Alyssa Murakami and Maren Gosby. Andy Verne completed the featured roles as the Minister.

Probably the biggest cast of 2022, the ensemble numbered seventy-eight. Working hard, they filled the stage well, singing strongly and executing the (sometimes necessarily restrained) choreography from Caitlin Wainwright, Rhiannon Francis and Matthias Zver, with energy and verve. While sometimes there are possibly too many people on-stage, it is nice to see such enthusiasm and inclusion on stage. Vanitha Hart led a strong 9-piece orchestra.

A fun and fresh production of a show that had people dancing in their seats.

Kimberley Shaw