65 replies to this topic

[David J]

Doogie Hoser, on 24 September 2012 - 12:04 PM, said:

I saw it.  I love Mamma Mia, for it's goofiness and fun.

I have yet to see Mamma Mia. Unfortunately the film has put me off seeing it for the last few years, and now its one of the remaining long running musicals I have yet to see.

I expect energy but I thought the film was TOO hyperactive. Is the stage version more reined in?

[DanielWhit]

David J, on 24 September 2012 - 11:20 PM, said:

Is the stage version more reined in?

I would say yes, a lot of sequences are similar but the film is definitely like watching the musical on a sugar-rush.

[Jon]

The stage version is good although I haven't seen it in a few years so would like to see it just to see how it looks at the Novello.

[xy_whitefaerie]

Don't know if it was just yesterday, but the theatre looked empty. Quite a number of unoccupied seats in the stalls. And that was after people got upgraded from the balcony. The show was good though- very energetic cast. But I think the sound system wasn't excellent- music was too loud; especially at the start and right after the interval that it gave my friends and I a shock. And occasionally the casts' singing was drowned by the music. Otherwise, a rather enjoyable show.

[Jon]

I'm sure Mamma Mia! still does good business on the weekend but I wonder if the move to the Novello has dented ticket sales slightly.

[Doogie Hoser]

As posted before, I saw it at The Novello and the bloom came right off the rose.  Seemed so cramped to me.  I always see Mamma Mia! when I am London, which is a few times a year... just because it's silly good value.  Last trip, couldn't be bothered.  The Novello somehow killed it for me.  Sounds silly, I know, but the experience seemed muted somehow, so that fever's apparently broken.

[Titan]

i cant imagine a move to novello would be the cause as aside a few die hard fans who really cares or notices what theatre a show is in. thats said a smaller theatre will have tighter profit margins

i can believe however that it doesnt sit right or feel the same. the prince of wales was a case of the perfect show in the perfect venue. i hope it stays around as i love it

[poster J]

Actually I wouldn't be surprised if the move did dent ticket sales a bit, it's probably a lot easier to pick up sales from tourists just passing by at a very noticeable theatre in Leicester Square than it is on Aldwych.

[Titan]

true although is mm a show where people buy on the day over in advance these days?

[Jon]

I wonder why it moved in the first place? My guess is that Cameron Mackintosh wanted a steady hit at the Novello and Mamma Mia! fitted the bill plus it would allow the Prince of Wales to have a new show for the first time in a long time.