Reviewed by Brian Speagle
(Cast & Crew of Mamma Mia! Photo Credit: Ross Davidson.)
In the 1970’s, the pop music charts were dominated by the Swedish super-group ABBA. Their music was heard and enjoyed worldwide. ABBA defined pop: light fare, catchy melodies, simple messages. Admittedly, not my cup of musical tea; I was firmly in the Led Zeppelin camp!
But times and attitudes change. In the hands of two of the original ABBA members, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, and playwright Catherine Johnson, the familiar music has a wonderful and effective narrative context, and the results are amazing! This show has become, like its chart-topping godparents, an international phenomenon.
(Mamma Mia! Set by David Long. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson.)
The London Community Players have chosen Mamma Mia! to close out their 2025-26 season, and they’ve picked a solid winner. For the first time post-COVID, the entire run is sold out. If you want a ticket, you will have to contact the box office to check for cancellations.
In the capable hands of director Toni Wilson, musical director Jeff Holbrough, and choreographer Laura Wood, the London Community Players’ version of Mamma Mia is also quite phenomenal! They have captured the energy of the plot and breathed wonderful life into the simple story. Toni, Jeff, and Laura have woven together an outstanding tapestry of theatre, which keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
(Pictured: Director Toni Wilson and Choreographer Laura Wood.)
In terms of design, these elements have a wonderful unity. Costumes, led by Becky Lenko, lighting by Frank Almeida, and set design by David Long, create a seamless environment of a Greek island in the middle of Old East Village! Kudos to the design team!
The cast list of this project reads like a Dream Team of London community theatre. Melissa Metler, as ‘Donna’, takes the stage from her first moment and never relinquishes it. Her rendition of “The Winner Takes It All”, a duet with ‘Sam’ (James Noonan), is a prime example of a pop song taking on a new and effective context within the plot structure.
(Pictured: L to R, as “Rosie”, Angela Southern, as “Donna”, Melissa Metler, and, as “Tanya”, Bronwyn Powell. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson.)
The power trio of Metler, with Bronwyn Powell as ‘Tanya’, and Angela Southern as ‘Rosie’, is delightful. The chemistry and history between these lifelong friends is evident and helps tie the story together.
“The Fathers”, James Noonan as ‘Sam’, David Bogaert as ‘Harry’, and Sam Shoebottom as ‘Bill’, add just the right touch of comedy and nostalgia to the narrative.
“The Young Couple”, Jordyn Taylor as ‘Sophie’, and A.J. MacDonald as ‘Sky’, do wonderful work anchoring the storyline. Sophie and Sky have a believable chemistry. Jordyn Taylor’s exceptional singing voice is on full display.
(Pictured: “Sky”, A.J. MacDonald, as “Sophie”, Jordyn Taylor. Photo Credit: Ross Davdson.)
In this show, the “Ensemble” is a key component of the production’s overall look, sound, and feel. The choir effects, the complex choreography, and the character interactions make for a wonderfully believable backdrop to the main plot. Kudos again to Toni, Laura, and Jeff!
(Pictured: Mamma Mia! Ensemble. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson.)
Do whatever you can to get a ticket for this show. It will require a little legwork, but it will be well worth the effort!
IF YOU GO:
What: London Community Players present Mamma Mia!
When: May 28 to June 7, 2026.
Where: Main Stage, The Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St., London, ON.
Tickets: SOLD OUT!
Reviewed by Brian Speagle
Brian Speagle is the artistic director of Scooter Productions, founded in 2016. He recently co-directed a successful production of John Murrell’s ‘Memoir’ at Manor Park Memorial Hall.
The Beat Magazine 2025 