Review: MAMMA MIA! by Capital Theatre Trust

A joyous trip down memory lane with an exceptional cast and breathtaking choreography.

Mamma Mia! is a vibrant jukebox musical celebrating the timeless hits of Swedish pop legends ABBA. Set on a sun-drenched Greek island, it follows the heartwarming and humorous story of a young bride-to-be, her fiercely independent mother, and three possible fathers.

It’s thrilling to see large-scale musical theatre thriving in Wellington. This marks the fourth production by Capital Theatre Trust in collaboration with G&T Productions, following the high standards set by Les Misérables, Wicked, and We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia! continues that legacy with flair.

From the moment the outstanding band struck their first chord, the audience was swept into a musical celebration. While the script occasionally meanders, that’s a fault of the source material,not the performers, who kept the energy high and the audience engaged.

Under Maya Handa Naff’s direction, the cast—leads and ensemble alike—delivered a unified, compelling performance. Naff’s interpretation added emotional depth and a strong theme of empowerment, beautifully highlighting how our past shapes who we become.

Catherine Reid’s choreography was a standout feature, elevating every ensemble number with precision and flair. The “flipper” scene in Lay All Your Love On Me was a particular crowd favorite—playful, inventive, and executed with finesse. It’s some of the best dancing I’ve seen on a Wellington stage.

The lead performances were uniformly strong. Rachel McSweeney was radiant as Sophie, with a lovely voice and natural stage presence. Gemma Hoskins brought gravitas and warmth to Donna, commanding the stage and delivering a powerhouse rendition of The Winner Takes It All—arguably the emotional peak of the show.

The trio of potential fathers—William Duignan (Sam), Glenn Horsfall (Harry), and David Hoskins (Bill)—each brought charm and vocal strength to their roles, creating memorable character moments.

Donna’s best friends, Tanya (Georgia Jamieson Emms) and Rosie (Jody McCartney), provided delightful comic relief. Jody’s powerful vocals were a personal highlight.

All were well supported by the remaining leads Sky (Alistair Davies), Ali and Lisa  (Corrie Milne and Chloe Miller), Pepper (Medhi Angot) and Eddie (Finlay Morris).

The ensemble was tight, energetic, and clearly enjoying themselves. Their cohesion and polish were no accident—it was evident that countless hours of rehearsal and dedication went into achieving such a high standard.

Hayden Taylor’s band sounded fantastic, supported by a sound team that ensured clarity and balance throughout. The lighting design also deserves praise, adding atmosphere and enhancing key moments with subtle artistry.

This production is a must-see. It’s the party of the year and a testament to the incredible talent we have right here in Wellington. With many shows nearing sell-out, don’t wait—book your tickets now. You’ll leave with a smile on your face and ABBA songs in your heart.