Sandi Toksvig adapting story for MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY in London
by Best of Theatre Staff on Friday 28 September 2018, 10:20 am in Upcoming and New Shows
Tickets for MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY will go on sale at 9.00am on Tuesday 2 October. This new immersive theatrical and dining experience will open in a specially-adapted venue within London’s The O2 on Thursday 19 September 2019, following previews from 29 August 2019.
MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY has music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (some songs with Stig Anderson), and a story by Calle Norlén, Roine Söderlundh and Björn Ulvaeus, adapted for the UK by writer, comedian and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig.
MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is set in a taverna on the island of Skopelos, where most exteriors of the first MAMMA MIA! film were shot. Nikos and his wife Kate run this exotic and wonderful restaurant together with their family and friends. Told through dialogue and ABBA songs, a warm, romantic and funny story evolves and unfolds during the evening and takes place around the guests as they sit at their tables enjoying a delicious Greek meal. The evening ends with the main floor transforming into a 1970s disco, where audience members are welcome to stay and sing and dance to ABBA.
Led by Steve Tompkins of architects Haworth Tompkins, work has begun on transforming one of the venues within The O2, where guests will feel as if they’re right in the heart of a Greek island paradise, sitting around tables in the taverna’s courtyard complete with a fountain, olive trees and bougainvillea.
Björn Ulvaeus, the Executive Producer of MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY, is delighted Sandi Toksvig has agreed to adapt the story for London: “She has to be the funniest and brightest individual I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with!”
In return, Sandi said of her involvement, “This has been a dream job – writing this adaptation mainly because I want to go to it myself and I got to hang out with the legend that is Björn."
As the official caterers for MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY, rhubarb has worked closely with the producers to devise an authentic and inventive menu. The company was founded over 20 years ago and has grown from a solely event business into one of the leading international premium hospitality groups, with an expansive portfolio of iconic locations and restaurants, notably the world-famous Royal Albert Hall, Sky Garden, VIVI at Centre Point and Hudson Yards in New York. Rhubarb events continue to cater and manage over 1000 events every year and rhubarb is the preferred food partner for over 70 premium venues in London.
Producer Ingrid Sutej said of the partnership with rhubarb, “Food is such a crucial part of MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY. I cannot imagine a better partner than rhubarb to offer our guests an unforgettable evening.”
The London version of MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY, which originally opened in Stockholm in January 2016 and is now in its third sold-out year, will be directed by Roine Söderlundh, with set designed by Bengt Fröderberg, costumes designed by Annsofi Nyberg, lighting designed by Patrick Woodroffe and sound designed by Gareth Owen.
MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is produced by Björn Ulvaeus and Ingrid Sutej for MM! The Party Ltd.