MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY has been playing to truly rapturous response at the O2 in London since 2019.
But it should come as no surprise that so many people want to join the party.
For this is a wonderfully exuberant, and hugely enjoyable, high-quality dinner show that takes Mamma Mia the Musical and delivers an all singing, all dancing, 'all in' evening in a 'Greek taverna'.
We are on a Greek, sunshine island, holiday for the evening, and play our part in creating such an enjoyably carefree experience.
No problem singing alone here, it's actively encouraged. And boy, are we raring to have a great time from the get-go.
(Images Grant Walker)
Arriving at the venue in the O2, we are taken into a taverna run by Nikos and his English wife Kate, on the Greek island of Skopelos.
This is where parts of the MAMMA MIA films were shot and is something referenced in the light-hearted plot of young love.
Kate wants the taverna's house band to perform ABBA's music for us, rather than Nick's preference for traditional Greek alternative.
And so would we.
(Spoiler alert), Kate wins this battle of wills and, as the storyline unfolds, we are treated to some 35 of ABBA's best known songs – and some lesser known.
Nick and Kate's staff are, to a man and woman, as talented as singers and dancers as they are at waiting tables.
And so, as the evening unfolds, we enjoy an excellent three-course Mediterranean dinner interspersed with the band and cast performing ABBA's hits among and around us.
The evening ends with a rousing ABBA cabaret performance before we are on our feet and dancing on the raised stage and in the aisles at the disco.
This ends the evening on an absolute high.
While this is an evening for all those young at heart, you will get the most fun from MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY if you are a fan of the group's music.
You will probably have seen the stage musical, at least once, and enjoyed both feature films.
You will know all know the tunes, and most of the words, and are therefore 'chomping at the bit' to get the party started.
The taverna 'bops' from Angel Eyes and Thank you for the Music at the outset, through Money, Money, Money and Honey, Honey along with Mamma Mia, The Winner Takes it , Dancing Queen and umpteen others.
From first to last, sing, sway, clap and cheer, twirl our napkins, laugh heartedly at the innocent humour and enjoy the fine Greek fare.
MAMMA MIA THE PARTY works so well because we are all in this together - and absolutely loving it!
MAMMA MIA THE PARTY - London
The O2
Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
@mammamiapartyuk
ABBA
ABBA are one of the most successful and hugely loved pop acts of all time.
Between 1973-1982 Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog sold millions of records and topped the charts all around the world.
The group's music is as popular as ever it was.
MAMMA MIA – the Musical
Mamma Mia – the Musical continues to play in London's West End and in cities Paris, Oslo, Hamburg and Seoul.
Touring productions are performing around the world.
The O2
The O2 entertainment complex on the Greenwich Peninsula in southeast London is the world's most popular music, sport, comedy and entertainment complex.
@TheO2
Skopelos
The Greek island of Skopelos is located in the western Aegean Sea between Skiathos and Alonissos.
The two main villages of Skopelos are Town and Glossa, which are found on the top of a hill with views of the Aegean Sea.
