'Mamma Mia!' is a Sparkling, Sold-Out Hit at the Palace Theatre

Mamma Mia! closes the Palace Theatre’s 2025-2026 season with glittering energy and enthusiasm! The musical has begun its highly anticipated sold-out run, and audiences lucky enough to snag tickets will be treated to standout performances, an impressive ensemble, and an entirely entertaining night.

The cast dances in 'Mamma Mia!' Photo by Ross Davidson.

The songs of Swedish pop group ABBA continue to light up dance floors and draw devoted fans, perhaps nowhere better than in Mamma Mia! The play debuted in 1999, was adapted into a hit film in 2008, and features songs from the 70s and 80s, making it nostalgic now for several generations.

Raised on a sun-soaked Greek island by her hardworking single mother Donna (Melissa Metler), Sophie (Jordyn Taylor) has never known her father. Hoping to uncover his identity, Sophie secretly invites three of her mother’s former lovers to her wedding in the hopes that her true father can walk her down the aisle.

Sophie (Jordyn Taylor) reads her mother's diary for Ali (Kate Deman) and Lisa (Emma Vanderkuyl). Photo by Ross Davidson.

Although Mamma Mia! is a romantic comedy, the relationship between Donna and Sophie lies at its heart, and the mother and daughter are cast exceptionally well in director Toni Wilson’s production. 

As Sophie, Jordyn Taylor shines from her first notes, dazzling with vocal ease that feels professional. Although Sophie often disregards her mother as she fixates on finding her father, Taylor handles these emotional confrontations with conviction. Her portrayal makes it possible to empathize with the young woman, who is entirely earnest in her desire to follow tradition.

Sky (AJ MacDonald) and Sophie (Jordyn Taylor) during 'Lay All Your Love On Me.' Photo by Ross Davidson.

Meanwhile, Melissa Metler handles Donna’s complex character arc with care, capturing the tension between her fierce independence and her desire to rely on someone else. In Metler’s hands, key songs become tools for communicating relationships, rather than simply lyrics. Her sensitive performance conveys decades of emotion and history. “Slipping Through My Fingers” and “The Winner Takes It All” are particularly stunning, and I found myself holding my breath as I watched these climactic songs.

Metler shines in the second act through emotional songs like 'The Winner Takes It All.' Photo by Ross Davidson.

James Noonan, Sam Shoebottom, and David Bogaert bring unique energy to the trio of potential fathers. Noonan’s Sam is smooth-talking yet grounded, especially in contrast to Shoebottom’s Bill, a rugged and slightly flustered travel writer. Bogaert’s Harry, a British banker and former headbanger, is especially endearing when he reminisces on a summer spent with Donna. Far from competing, the men present three very different father figures, balancing tenderness and comedy in turn.

Sophie's three potential fathers: Sam (James Noonan), Bill (Sam Shoebottom), and Harry (David Bogaert). Photo by Ross Davidson.

As Donna’s best friends and former bandmates, Tanya (Bronwyn Powell) and Rosie (Angela Southern) bring infectious energy that had me wishing we saw even more of them. Tanya is iconic as she trails millionaire ex-husbands and fends off the advances of the much younger Pepper (Ethan Couchman), while Rosie’s boldness leads to many laughs. Together, their efforts to remind Donna of her wild youth infuse the show with life.

Tanya (Bronwyn Powell) and Pepper (Ethan Couchman) in 'Does Your Mother Know'. Photo by Ross Davidson.

Washed in colourful pastels, tropical greenery, and cobblestones, David Long’s beautiful set brings a lush summer atmosphere to the stage. The impressive structure is unlike anything I’ve seen at the Palace before. The space is used effectively, with a low platform on the left and balcony on the right creating a variety of levels. Arching above, a large upper level holds the live band, whose visibility throughout the show is a neat touch.

The ensemble of 'Mamma Mia!' in action. Photo by Ross Davidson.

Director Toni Wilson isn’t afraid to pack the Palace’s stage. With an ensemble numbering more than twenty, the place often fills like a flash mob as actors appear as tourists, party guests, or even eavesdropping paintings. The abundance of characters adds personality and interest, particularly during large musical numbers. Throw in an impressive array of costumes, designed by Becky Lenko, and the result is certainly engaging. 

Laura Wood’s choreography works well to accomodate the ensemble's size while keeping the close quarters from becoming overly chaotic. Large numbers, like the back-to-back bachelor and bachelorette parties, are high-energy but also make the show’s more stripped-back songs feel more powerful in contrast. The ensemble builds out ABBA’s songs beautifully by adding backing vocals at all the right moments.

Another fun number in 'Mamma Mia!' Photo by Ross Davidson.

Backed by bop after bop, Mamma Mia! traverses a range of emotions but, above all, it entertains. It’s a joy to see the Palace brought to life by this show. A full house, photo booth, themed cocktails, and disco afterparty in Procunier Hall make the evening a full experience. By curtain call, the audience is dancing, jiving, and having the time of their life!

The cast and crew of 'Mamma Mia!' Photo by Ross Davidson.