The Party Continues

Do you ever wish you could step into an ABBA song—just for one night—and dance away your worries? If so, you’re in luck: MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is back in London at the O2, and it has just announced another exciting extension. This immersive theatrical experience is now booking until 31 December 2025, so there’s plenty of time to indulge your inner ‘Dancing Queen’ and soak up the sun-kissed vibes of the Greek islands, all without leaving the capital. With its combination of electrifying ABBA hits, delicious Mediterranean food, and a lively, interactive storyline, MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY continues to enthral audiences—and if you haven’t been yet, or simply need a reason to return, you’ve just been given the perfect excuse.

A UNIQUE THEATRICAL JOURNEY

It’s no secret that ABBA have inspired some of the world’s most beloved musicals, from the original MAMMA MIA! on stage and screen to tribute shows across the globe. But MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is a different beast altogether. Instead of watching a story unfold on stage from the comfort of a seat, audience members become part of the story itself. Picture it: you wander into a beautifully designed Greek taverna, greeted by the sound of bouzouki music and laughter. Then, as you find your table, the cast mingles among you, chatting, joking, and inviting you deeper into their world.

That’s precisely what sets this show apart. MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY may have a script—written by Sandi Toksvig—but it’s the audience participation, the immersive setting, and the sense of camaraderie that truly bring the story to life. Expect to be serenaded, teased, and maybe even asked to join in a dance number, all before you’ve had time to finish your starter. It’s a concept that has proven wildly successful, first in Stockholm and now in London, where theatre lovers keep coming back for the sheer fun of it all.

CAST CHANGES AND FAMILIAR FACES

One of the biggest pieces of news around MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is that Ian Kelsey is set to take over the role of Nikos from 5 February. He inherits the part from Fed Zanni, who will continue to perform until 2 February. For fans of stage and screen, Kelsey’s name is sure to ring a bell: he’s had high-profile roles in shows such as DOCTORS, EMMERDALE, and CHICAGO THE MUSICAL. His move into this immersive party promises a fresh dynamic, although the core spirit of the production will remain the same.

Other familiar faces in the cast include Lucinda Lawrence as Kate and Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah as Debbie. Inês Fernandez portrays Konstantina, and Henryk Firth steps in as Adam—a couple you may very well find waltzing past your table on a whim. The role of Fernando is played by Oscar Balmaseda, while Georgia Morgan charms as Nina. Dawn Spence adds comedic flair and matriarchal warmth as Grandma, a character who might just surprise you with an impromptu dance. Meanwhile, Bella—who has her own subplot within the taverna—is brought to life by either Allie Ho Chee or Rosie Rowlands, depending on the performance.

Beyond these principal players, the show is also bolstered by a talented ensemble of swings and cover artists, such as Kelly Aaron (Sue/Swing), Emanuel Alba (Carlos/Swing), Claudia Bradley (Loretta/Swing), Deschenes Graham(Joyce/Swing), Robban Hogstrom (Robin/Swing), and Ollie Llewelyn-Williams (Ruben/Swing). Each of them steps in wherever needed to maintain the high energy and seamless storytelling that have become hallmarks of MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY.

A THRILLING LIVE SOUNDTRACK

For many audience members, it’s the music that truly seals the deal. Let’s face it: few bands have the timeless appeal of ABBA. Their catchy hooks, soaring harmonies, and infectious beats feel tailor-made for a raucous, sing-along environment, which is exactly what this show delivers. Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool ABBA aficionado or just enjoy a rousing rendition of Dancing Queen, the songs woven into MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY are bound to put a smile on your face.

Credit for the show’s impeccable sound goes to the house band—John Donovan, Luke Higgins, Luke Roberts, Steve Rushton, and Flo Blue—who perform each ABBA classic live, ensuring an authentic and electrifying atmosphere. The music supervision by Robin Svensson keeps the arrangements faithful to the beloved originals, while also adapting them just enough to fit into this immersive party context.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Putting on MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is no small feat, and the creative team behind the production reads like a roll call of theatrical heavyweights. Co-directors and choreographers Stacey Haynes and Roine Söderlundh bring a dynamic blend of storytelling and dance to the show, ensuring that every interaction feels spontaneous yet polished. The set, designed by Bengt Fröderberg, turns a London venue into a slice of Mediterranean paradise, complete with twinkling lights, rustic furniture, and hidden alcoves ripe for exploration.

Meanwhile, the atmospheric lighting is the work of Patrick Woodroffe, whose credits include massive concert tours for rock legends and epic West End shows. Gareth Owen handles the sound design, balancing the live music, dialogue, and audience participation so that everything remains clear—even as you find yourself in the middle of a party. Costumes by Annsofi Nyberg lend each character a sun-kissed, island-holiday style, adding to the escapist feel that permeates the entire production. Finally, casting is overseen by David Grindrod for Grindrod Burton Casting, a testament to the calibre of performers who grace the taverna night after night.

GREEK TAVERNA MEETS LONDON GLAM

One of the key draws of MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is its all-encompassing experience. After all, this isn’t just about watching a show; it’s about becoming part of the evening’s festivities. The production includes a Mediterranean feast that could easily stand on its own merits. Typically, the menu features an array of Greek staples—think fresh salads, flavoursome dips, grilled meats, and vegetarian delights—culminating in a decadent dessert that will make you swear off cooking for at least a week.

Dinner is served during the performance itself, weaving seamlessly into the storyline. Characters drift from table to table, ensuring every corner of the venue stays connected to the unfolding drama. It’s an excellent way to blur the line between performer and spectator, so don’t be surprised if someone hands you an olive from their plate or encourages you to stand up and have a little boogie. It’s all part of the fun.

WHY IT KEEPS EXTENDING

For theatre-goers who’ve been paying attention, the news that MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY has once again extended its run comes as no shock. The show has been riding a wave of positive word of mouth and glowing reviews, consistently drawing both ABBA devotees and curious newcomers in search of a lively, feel-good evening. Immersive theatre experiences are on the rise in London, with everything from murder mysteries to high-concept dinner shows popping up across the city. But few have the built-in appeal of ABBA’s enduring hits—add in a holiday atmosphere and a multi-sensory format, and it’s practically guaranteed to win hearts.

Interestingly, this kind of “escape theatre” could also be part of why the show resonates so well with modern audiences. At a time when the world can feel overwhelming, MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY offers a few hours of blissful escapism, allowing people to transport themselves to a Greek island replete with good food, good company, and great tunes. Plus, the interactive aspect ensures that no two nights are exactly the same. Even if you’ve been before, you might find that your next visit has different twists, different interactions, and a whole new cast of friends dancing beside you.

THE IMMERSIVE THEATRE BOOM

It’s worth noting that MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY arrived on the scene at a moment when immersive theatre experiences are increasingly popular. Productions such as THE GREAT GATSBY and THE WAR OF THE WORLDS have shown that audiences are craving more than just passive viewing. They want to be immersed in the narrative, to make choices or at least feel like they’re part of the action. MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY capitalises on this trend by combining a well-loved story universe—ABBA’s music and the Mamma Mia! brand—with a dinner-and-dance party that can only be described as pure escapist joy.

While numbers on immersive theatre attendance aren’t always straightforward to track, anecdotal evidence points to the success of shows that offer not just a storyline but a complete environment. This “eat, drink, dance, and watch” approach satisfies multiple cravings at once, and the show’s extension until 31 December 2025 is testament to how powerful this formula can be.

So, if you’ve been dreaming of an evening where you can feast on Mediterranean treats, belt out your favourite ABBA anthems, and perhaps bump into the cast at the bar, MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is here to make that dream a reality. With a newly refreshed cast, led by Ian Kelsey taking over as Nikos and a superb supporting team of vibrant characters, this is the perfect opportunity to rally your friends, family, or fellow ABBA addicts and set off on a mini-holiday you’ll never forget—without leaving London’s city limits.

There’s a reason theatre-lovers, casual fans, and tourists alike have been flocking to this unique event: it’s the ultimate combination of story, spectacle, and song. Why settle for just another night out when you could immerse yourself in the world of MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY, clinking glasses with the very people bringing the story to life?

Ultimately, the show offers more than just entertainment—it’s a chance to sing, laugh, and escape reality for a few blissful hours. And if that’s not worth celebrating, what is? So slip on your dancing shoes, brush up on your ABBA lyrics, and get ready to journey to a world where the taverna doors are always open, the music never stops, and the only thing that matters is having the time of your life. After all, as the song goes, “You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life”—and there’s no better place to do it than at MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY.