I am not ashamed to admit that I am a lover of ABBA music.
It just makes me smile.
I was surprised recently with a wonderful gift from one of my friends.
Even if you don’t like ABBA, this unusual evening is an experience you wont forget.
I loved both of the films, Mamma Mia and its sequel, Here we go again
I’ve been a few times to the Vue Cinema in Cheshire Oaks to see the movies.
I love the big-screen experience – and also being in a packed theatre with people who are there to enjoy themselves.
There is even a singalong video of the film.
One of the many highlights in one of the movies was when Cher, aged 74, played the role of Sophie’s grandmother.
When she stepped out of the helicopter in Mamma Mia Here We Go Again and she sang Fernando, it was electric.
So let me tell you about my wonderful experience.
A lovely new friend of mine, Victoria, is soon to be married to one of my pals, Neil.
She’s a bit special and a bundle of dynamite who loves life.
I’ve lost count of how many hen parties she’s having.
It was Vicky who first told me about this experience, it’s at the O2 in London, and it’s called Mamma Mia, the Party!
They tell you before you go in – be prepared to leave everything behind the moment you cross the threshold, to journey to the Island of Skopelos, to dance, dine and have the time of your life.
I walked in and was taken back at this purpose-built magical set.
There are hundreds of photo opportunities there from start to finish.
The temperature in the room mimics a warm, Greek day in the sun.
We were shown to our table for a Greek meal.
Already I felt part of the film, which did come to life all around us while we were experiencing the dinner, from the Nikos family who run the taverna.
The sun started to set, and we found ourselves lost in this created dream world, as a warm, romantic and funny story was performed around us to the live soundtrack of ABBA hits.
As the night unfolded you became part of Mamma Mia.
Every waiter, waitress, cook and bottle washer became the cast.
They were all very talented and you didn’t know where to look next.
One minute there was an explosion in the kitchen and an irate cook walked out and appeared with some of the villagers.
Everyone around started to dance, a love song could be sung next to the fountain.
The story, food and music created a magical party.
Everybody was uplifted and let’s face it, after the pandemic we need it.
The bonus for me at the end, they had built a stage and we all danced to ABBA music – it was the icing on the cake.
I cannot recommend it enough.
