Theatre
Feature
All you need to know about Mamma Mia! The Party
Food, theatre and the songs of ABBA combine for a unique immersive experience at London's The O2.
Beginning its life in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2016, Mamma Mia! The Party has been delighting visitors with its vibrant blend of theatre, food and the iconic music of ABBA ever since.
Now open at London’s The O2, transforming the space into a stunning Greek taverna with heaps of top quality entertainment to match, here’s everything fans need to know about the unique experience.
What is Mamma Mia! The Party?
Transporting visitors into an expansive Greek taverna, diners enjoy a delicious and varied four course meal whilst the theatrical action unfolds around them. The story follows restaurant owners Nikos and Kate – who meet thanks to Kate’s work on the first Mamma Mia! film – and the antics of their friends and family. The pair tackle an accident-prone chef, a handsome repair man, a mysterious Greek mother, and ultimately the growing love between Kate’s nephew Adam and Nikos’ daughter Konstantina.
Unfolding to the iconic music of renowned Swedish pop stars ABBA, and accompanying a four course Greek meal delivered directly to the tables, the upbeat story twists and turns as relationships bend, break and reform under the taverna’s atmospheric lights.
Who stars in Mamma Mia! The Party in London?
Steph Parry and Fed Zanni bring owners Kate and Nikos to life, with Aj Bentley as Adam and Julia Imbach as Konstatina. They’re joined by Joanna Monro as chef Debbie, Gregor Stewart as repair man and aptly named Fernando, Kimberly Powell as Nina and Pauline Stringer as Grandma. The huge ensemble is completed by a host of swings, often disguised as waiting staff, and a full live band performing the huge ABBA tracks throughout.
What happens in Mamma Mia! The Party?
Taking place over four-plus hours, the experience effortlessly brings together great food, entrancing theatrics and the timeless music of ABBA. Conceived by the band’s own Björn Ulvaeus and adapted for the UK by comedian, writer and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig, there really is nothing out there like Mamma Mia! The Party.
Offering a combination of shared and private tables across various floors in the purpose built and downright mesmerising Greek taverna, diners become one with the story unfolding around them. The tale of love, forbidden romance, and volatile family dynamics is delivered through the songs of ABBA, all performed with an unfaltering enthusiasm and passion for both the music and the unique environment being created.
Participation is encouraged but not enforced, generating a friendly and lively shared environment, not least as drinks flow and the audience repeatedly rise to their feet. This atmosphere and the skill of the actors, singers and the energetic live band is matched by a range of genuinely spine-tingling surprises. All is enjoyed whilst tucking into a four course Greek feast (dietary requirements catered for, of course), and concludes with a jovial ABBA disco.
Although created for fans of the band, there’s also plenty for those with only a passing interest. The songs weave into the story with ease, and take on new emotion and meaning, whilst the tale itself is brilliantly balanced between the lighthearted and the enthralling. Even those with the hardest of hearts will find themselves on their feet, voices loud, drink in hand, stomach full, and grinning from ear to ear.
What are the Mamma Mia! The Party reviews saying?
“I’ve never seen so many people having so much fun!” – Smooth Radio
“All-singing, all-dancing theatrical dining extravaganza” – Daily Mirror
“The name of the game is fun” – The Sun
“A night out with ABBA is the very best escape” – The Times
What else do I need to know?
Mamma Mia! The Party is open at London’s The O2. Note that prompt arrival is highly recommended as both the food and performance will start at set times.
Tickets for Mamma Mia! The Party are available now through Ticketmaster.co.uk.