Thank you for the music Bjorn and Benny! Thank you too writer Catherine Johnson for reimagining the narrative of Abba’s songs for this ultimate feel-good musical.

Nearly 20 years after it first took the West End stage by storm Mamma Mia! is still a blockbuster show that offers a heady mix of music, nostalgia and theatrical sunshine. No wonder there have been 50 productions worldwide seen (so far) by more than 60 million people.

It’s a great show transporting the audience to an idyllic Greek Island where 20-year-old Sophie is planning her wedding. Her single mum, Donna, an expat American owns the local taverna and is determined to make it an occasion to be remembered. But for Sophie one vital ingredient is missing - her dad. The trouble is that no-one, not even Donna, knows who he is.

Finding her mum’s old diaries Sophie discovers there are three possible candidates and she secretly invites them all to her wedding. Romance, fun and gentle chaos ensue in a story that weaves the big Abba hits into the storyline. Dancing Queen, Voulez-Vous, S.O.S., Money, Money Money, Thank You For the Music and, of course, Mamma Mia! do their work in style.

There’s a strong cast, great dancers, a clever set and a wonderful twist in the tail. Lucy May Barker is the questing Sophie while Helen Hobson plays her proud and determined mum. The wonderful trio of maybe dads include Jon Boydon as Sam, an architect who left after a summer of love 21 years ago and Christopher Hollis and Jamie Hogarth as Bill and Harry who offered comfort on the rebound.

Special mention should also be made of Gillian Hardie and Emma Clifford as Rosie and Tanya, Donna’s bandmates from her crazy days as a singer.

Mamma Mia! is perfect summer entertainment. Fun musical theatre and a must for anyone who loves the music of Abba. It plays Bournemouth Pavilion until Saturday 12th August