When you walk into the Mamma Mia! theatre in London, you don’t just sit down-you get ready to dance. It’s not a play. It’s not just a concert. It’s a full-blown, glitter-covered, 1970s-style party where everyone, even the person in the back row, ends up singing along to Dancing Queen like they’ve known the words since kindergarten.
I went to see Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre in October 2025. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard the hype, seen the memes, watched the movie. But nothing prepares you for the energy of a live audience in London, packed shoulder-to-shoulder, waving glow sticks and screaming as Sophie (played by 24-year-old rising star Ella Thompson) belts out I Have a Dream under a shower of golden confetti.
What Makes Mamma Mia! in London Different?
There are dozens of musicals in London. Les Mis, The Lion King, Hamilton-all incredible. But Mamma Mia! doesn’t try to be deep. It doesn’t want to change your life. It just wants you to have the best night out possible.
The story is simple: a bride-to-be on a Greek island invites three men who might be her dad. Her mom, Donna, played by veteran performer Caroline Quinlan, sings like she’s got ABBA’s spirit in her bones. The plot? Barely there. The songs? Every single one a hit. And the costumes? Rainbow sequins, flared pants, and headbands that would make Cher blush.
What sets the London version apart? The cast. This isn’t a touring group. This is a homegrown London ensemble. Every actor knows how to work a crowd. The drummer? He’s not just keeping time-he’s leading the claps. The backup singers? They’re dancing in the aisles by the second act. And the audience? By the time Waterloo hits, half the room is on their feet.
The Party Doesn’t Stop After the Curtain
Here’s the secret: Mamma Mia! in London doesn’t end when the lights come up.
After the final bow, the cast stays on stage. They don’t leave. They start playing ABBA’s greatest hits again-live. No microphones. No backing tracks. Just voices, guitars, and a drum kit. People in the front row are pulled up to dance. Someone in the balcony shouts, “Play Take a Chance on Me!” and they do. Within minutes, the whole theatre becomes a nightclub.
I saw a 68-year-old man in a tweed jacket break into the chicken dance. A group of 19-year-olds in matching ABBA T-shirts started a conga line that snaked through the lobby. The staff at the bar? They’re handing out free champagne flutes to anyone who sings along to Super Trouper.
This isn’t just a show. It’s a cultural moment. And it’s happening every night at the Novello Theatre.
Where to Sit for the Best Experience
You don’t need front-row tickets to feel the magic, but where you sit changes the vibe.
- Stalls (center, rows E-J): Best balance of view and energy. You’ll see every costume detail and still be close enough to feel the bass.
- Circle (front rows): Great for close-ups of the lead actors. The acoustics are crystal clear here.
- Upper Circle or Balcony: Cheaper, but you’ll miss some of the choreography. Still worth it if you just want to sing and dance without paying £120.
- Avoid: Side seats in the stalls. The stage is wide, and you’ll miss half the action if you’re too far out.
Pro tip: Book tickets for a Friday or Saturday night. The crowd is louder, the energy is higher, and the post-show party lasts longer. Weeknight shows are quieter-perfect if you’re not into screaming with strangers.
How Much Does It Cost in 2025?
Tickets for Mamma Mia! in London range from £35 to £145. That’s a big spread, but here’s what you actually get:
| Seat Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Circle | £35-£55 | Budget travelers, casual fans |
| Circle (front) | £65-£85 | Great view, solid sound |
| Stalls (center) | £95-£125 | First-timers, couples, fans who want to feel the beat |
| Premium Stalls | £130-£145 | Special occasions, VIP access to after-party |
There’s no hidden fee. No booking charge. No “premium seating” gimmicks. The price you see is the price you pay. And if you book through the official website, you get a free ABBA-themed cocktail voucher for the theatre bar.
Who Is This Show For?
Let’s be real. You don’t need to be an ABBA superfan to love this show. But you do need to be ready to let go.
- Perfect for: Couples on a fun date, groups of friends, tourists looking for a memorable night out, anyone who grew up hearing Waterloo on the radio.
- Not for: People who hate singing along, anyone who thinks musicals should be serious, or folks who want quiet, introspective theatre.
I watched a 12-year-old girl next to me mouth every lyric to Chiquitita while her dad cried. A woman in her 70s told me she saw the original London cast in 2001 and came back just to relive it. This show doesn’t age. It gets better.
What’s New in 2025?
The show hasn’t changed much since 2001-but it doesn’t need to. Still, there are a few upgrades:
- New lighting system: LED panels now sync with the beat, turning the stage into a disco ball on steroids.
- Updated sound: Crisper vocals, deeper bass. Even the tambourine sounds crisp.
- More inclusive casting: The role of Donna has been played by women of all ages and backgrounds. In October, a 52-year-old Black actress took over-and the crowd went wild.
- Post-show merch: New ABBA-themed hoodies, glittery headbands, and even ABBA-branded sparkling water.
The core? Still the same. The music. The joy. The feeling that for two hours, nothing else matters.
How to Get Tickets (Without Getting Scammed)
There are a million third-party sites selling Mamma Mia! tickets. Most are legit. A few aren’t.
Always buy through:
- Official site: mamma-mia-musical.com (yes, it still uses the exclamation mark)
- London Theatre Direct: Trusted reseller with no hidden fees
- TKTS booth in Leicester Square: Same-day discounted tickets (but only for seats in the upper circle)
Avoid sites that charge £20 extra for “priority seating” or promise “VIP backstage access.” That’s not real. The only VIP perk is a free drink and a better seat.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Yes. Absolutely.
You’ll leave with sore cheeks from smiling. Your voice might be hoarse from singing. Your phone might be full of videos you didn’t mean to record. And you’ll probably text your friends the next day: “We have to go again.”
Mamma Mia! isn’t high art. It’s not Shakespeare. But it’s the kind of theatre that brings people together. It’s loud. It’s silly. It’s perfect.
If you’re in London and you’ve got two hours and £40 to spare-go. Put on your most glittery shirt. Dance in your seat. Sing like nobody’s listening. Because for one night, you’re not just watching a musical.
You’re part of it.
How long is the Mamma Mia! show in London?
The show runs for 2 hours and 35 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. There’s no opening act or delays-shows start right on time.
Is Mamma Mia! suitable for children?
Yes! Kids as young as 6 love it. There’s no swearing, no violence, and the songs are fun and catchy. But if your child gets scared by loud music or bright lights, sit in the back rows of the upper circle.
Can I take photos during the show?
No. Phones must be turned off and put away during the performance. The theatre staff are strict about this-flash photography can distract the cast. But you can take pictures in the lobby before the show and after the party.
What should I wear to Mamma Mia!?
There’s no dress code. Most people wear casual clothes-jeans, shirts, dresses. But you’ll see plenty of glitter, ABBA shirts, and even full disco outfits. If you want to join the vibe, wear something bright. No one will judge you.
Where is the Novello Theatre located?
The Novello Theatre is on Aldwych, right between Covent Garden and the Strand. It’s a 5-minute walk from Covent Garden Tube station and a 10-minute walk from Temple. There’s no parking nearby-use public transport.
Is there food or drink inside the theatre?
Yes. The bar serves cocktails, wine, beer, and snacks. Try the ABBA-inspired ‘Dancing Queen’ cocktail-vodka, lemon, and sparkling wine with edible glitter. You can also grab a burger or nachos before the show. Lines get long during intermission, so order early.
Do I need to know ABBA’s music to enjoy the show?
Not at all. Even if you only know Dancing Queen, you’ll catch on fast. The songs are simple, repetitive, and full of emotion. The story is easy to follow. You don’t need to be a fan-you just need to be ready to feel good.
If you’re planning a trip to London and want one unforgettable night out, skip the typical museums and crowded pubs. Go to Mamma Mia!. Put on your dancing shoes. Let the music take over. And don’t be surprised if you leave with a new favorite song-and a new group of friends who screamed with you.