Not so long ago Mamma Mia! celebrated its fifth sensational year with lots of parties, huge media coverage, an Abba reunion and general back slapping all round. Two months later and it’s back in the headlines as the record-breaking show transfers to the Prince of Wales Theatre, which has had in excess of £7 million spent on its complete refurbishment.

The result? A fantastic partnership that offers a spectacular new venue and the ultimate feel good show. London now has two ‘Super Troupers’ that together are the ‘Dancing Queens’ of the West End.

For anyone who doesn’t know, Mamma Mia! is a musical based on the songs of those infamous Swedes, Abba. It has spawned many imitations but none of them (and that includes the preposterous Queen extravaganza We Will Rock You) have come close to matching its simple, infectious charm. It has a magic that can effortlessly turn an audience into a sea of contented, happy smiles with a knowing wink, a playful nudge and of course, those infamous songs.

Half the fun of Mamma Mia! lies in guessing the next hit from the brief dialogue intro or the opening bars of music. When you hit the jackpot of familiarity it’s like having your cake and eating it. But this isn’t a tribute show with recreations of the original songs, far from it. Vocal lines have been split and redistributed, harmonies added, tempos changed, a few lyrics rewritten, but most importantly the natural drama of each song has been found, so that they shine out with pride as ‘proper’ show tunes.

Even the overture has been given a big, wonderful orchestration that is initially quite a shock, simply because it’s treated ‘straight’ with melodies interweaving and overlapping making the familiar exciting. It perfectly sets the tone for the great night to follow.

Mamma Mia! certainly doesn’t take itself seriously, in fact it knowingly milks every last laugh, and the audience respects its honesty because they aren’t being talked down to but given a fresh, witty, production with a huge slice of tongue in cheek fun. Perfect.

Catherine Jones’ pleasingly simple tale takes place on a sun-drenched Greek island that offers plenty of chances for the guys to strip down to their trunks and tease us in tight wetsuits. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter sets out to find her true father by inviting three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. As old friends and flames become reacquainted she learns that, “knowing me, knowing you, it’s the best I can do.”

Although set around youthful exuberance, it’s the three ‘older’ female characters that really bring the show to life giving it the musical boost and gutsy characterisation that is sometimes missing. The women definitely rule the roost and from the moment the three old friends break into ‘Chiquitta’ and then move on to an hilarious rendering of ‘Dancing Queen’ it’s plain sailing, with Vivien Parry’s emotionally charged belt of ‘The Winner Takes It All’ sending shivers down my spine.

And what of the theatre itself? It’s now a shining beacon of 1930’s style but with a contemporary twist. While the foyers have been opened up with large windows, silver trims and cool colours, the auditorium is a triumph of subtle splendour in brass and soothing rusty browns. Going to the theatre is a treat once more and Cameron Mackintosh must be applauded for re-invigorating the dilapidated West End with a new touch of class.

Mama Mia!, music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus; book by Catherine Johnson
Prince of Wales Theatre
Coventry Street
Leicester Square
London, W1
0870 850 0393

Prince Edward Theatre: 6 April 1999-29 May 2004
Prince of Wales Theate: 9 June 2004-

Buy the Original cast recording of Abba's hit musical, Mamma Mia! online and save some money while you sing along.