The Summer holidays are now in full swing and what better way to treat your little ones during their time off than with a trip to the theatre to see the much loved fairytale animation Shrek! live on stage!

The hit musical will be at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru from August 21st to September 2nd and we’re giving you the chance to *win a family ticket* to see the popular production when it arrives in North Wales later this month. Pop over to our New Pines Holiday Home Park Facebook page for further details on how to enter!

Shrek and Fiona posing for a photo on stage during a performance

Based on the story and characters from Williams Steig’s book and the award-winning DreamWorks animations film Shrek!, Shrek the Musical follows the unlikely hero Shrek as he teams up with his partner in crime Donkey and goes on a mission to rescue Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing dragon. Add in a few challenges, over 100 much loved classic fairytale characters, a 14 foot dragon and plenty of singing and dancing – the ending to this timeless story isn’t quite the traditional fairytale ending you’d be expecting!

This hit West End and Broadway production returns for a UK tour staring Steffan Harri as the beloved Ogre Shrek and Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical will be played by former X Factor contestant Amelia Lily. The pair will be joined by Marcus Ayton as Shrek’s most trusty sidekick and everyone’s favourite loveable character, Donkey.

This comedy filled musical is bound to have the whole family laughing! So for the chance to see the Shrek the Musical cast as they take you to the land of fairy tales this August head over to our New Pines Facebook page now to enter our Shrek the Musical competition!

Photo of Donkey and the Dragon in Shrek the Musical


The production of Shrek the Musical will be in Llandudno from Tuesday 21st August until Sunday 2nd September. It’s the perfect treat for the Summer holidays! So book your tickets today over on the Venue Cymru website or by phoning the Box Office on 01492 872000.


terms and conditions

– To enter the competition, one must comment ‘Shrek’ and like our post
– Only one entry per person please
– Competition closes at 4pm on Friday 17th August and a winner will be selected at random
– The winner will be chosen at 4pm and announced by 5pm on Friday 17th August
– We’ll notify the winner on Facebook and ask them to contact us with their details via private message. They will then be sent details of how to obtain their tickets
– Not open to employees or affiliates New Pines Holiday Home Park or Darwin Escapes
– The prize is a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) to see Shrek the Musical at Venue Cymru on Wednesday 22nd August at 7pm
– Prize must be claimed via direct message by midnight on Friday 17th August
– Cash alternatives are not available
– Travel and accommodation is not included
– Prize is non-transferable
– The manager’s decision is final

GOOD LUCK! Oh and don’t forget to give our New Pines Holiday Home Park a like on Facebook too!

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Fame – The Musical is set to take to the Llandudno stage as part of its 30th Anniversary Tour! The hit musical which has had seven West End runs since opening in Miami in 1988 will be taking to the seaside theatre of Venue Cymru from 6th August.

Starring Keith Jack, best known for his roles in Any Dream Will Do and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Mica Paris of Love Me Tender and Chicago and former Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter who is also known for competing in ITV’s Dancing on Ice!

Do you fancy being part of the audience when Fame comes to Venue Cymru this August? Well here at Darwin Escapes we’re giving you the opportunity to do just that and all you have to do is enter our competition over on the Seaview Holiday Home Park Facebook page for the chance to win a pair of tickets to the opening night!

Cast of Fame's headshots

Fame is one of the most-loved musicals across the globe and is based on the 1980 phenomenal pop culture film, which follows the lives of students at New York’s High School For The Performing Arts. Audiences will get to see them in this smash-hit production as they head through the highs and lows, romances and heartbreaks of life.

Get ready for a bittersweet but uplifting performance as the musical tackles a host of subjects that impact on young people’s lives.

So if you want to be part of the opening night action when Fame comes to Llandudno then head over to Seaview Holiday Home Park’s Facebook page now! (Full Terms and Conditions below)

Cast of Fame posing for a promo photo

Fame – The Musical will bring the Monday 6th August to Saturday 11th August 2018. You can book your tickets now over on the Venue Cymru website or by phoning the Box Office on 01492 872000.


terms and conditions

– To enter the competition, one must comment ‘Fame!’ and like our post
– Only one entry per person please
– Competition closes at 4pm on Monday 30th July and a winner will be selected at random
– The winner will be picked at 4pm and announced by 5pm on Monday 30th July
– We’ll notify the winner on Facebook and ask them to contact us with their details via private message. They will be sent details of how to obtain their tickets
– Not open to employees or affiliates Seaview Holiday Home Park or Darwin Escapes
– The prize is for two tickets to see Fame The Musical at Venue Cymru on Monday 6th August at 7.30pm
– Prize must be claimed via direct message by midnight on Tuesday 31st July
– Cash alternatives are not available
– Travel and accommodation is not included
– Prize is non-transferable
– The manager’s decision is final

GOOD LUCK! Oh and don’t forget to give our Seaview Holiday Home Park Facebook page a like too!

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Bath Mill Lodge Retreat has loved helping the ‘Eel in the Classroom’ project with a release of the baby eels into our very own, beloved Newton Brook on 18th May.

Students from 13 schools across Somerset and the South West, were joined by some eager Bath Mill team members, to release some elvers (baby eels) in our Newton Brook on 18th May, where they will live and help the ecosystem and have a chance to help increase the endangered species population.

The population of European Eels dropped by 90% by the 1970’s due to a number of human induced factors, including tidal gates and dams, which are barriers to the eels natural migration up river. There has also been habitation loss and pollution factors to the eels natural habitats.

Children studying eels before release

The ‘Eel in the Classroom’ project aims to inspire and educate children about all sorts of wildlife not only eels, in our local rivers and marine environments. The children from the 13 different schools spent 5 weeks nurturing, feeding and even naming the baby eels in their classrooms. They learned all about the history, habitats and natural behaviours of the (surprisingly) adorable elvers.

Will, Bath Mill manager, releasing eels into the Newton Brook Group of people netting in the Newton Brook Close up photo of a baby eel Photo of a man holding a container of eels photo of the group netting in the Newton Brook

The eels will spend up to 20 years in the Newton Brook and surrounding river headwaters and ditches, after which they will embark on a 5000km migration to Sargasso Sea to spawn (a romantic journey worthy of Hollywood if I ever heard one!).

This really is such an important project to the European Eel Conservation work, as Eupropean Eels are currently critically endangered, as they lead a long and complicated life, with numerous hazards before them, it can be a difficult life (collective ‘awe’). Hopefully, our own batch of Bath Mill eels will fare well and enjoy the next 20 years yumming up all the goodies in our Newton Brook, and leading fairly relaxed lives in our luxurious park.


We would like to say a huge thank you to Bristol Avon Rivers Trust for including us in such a fun and important project to protect this species, as well as a big thank you to The Greggs Foundation who provided this years’ funding to the ‘Eel in the Classroom’ project.

As well as a huge thank you to Will and the team at Bath who are so willing to get involved and help a species in-need!

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Cheddar Watersports offers unbeatable family fun at the beautiful and picturesque Cheddar Reservoir. Nestled between Axbridge and Cheddar, the 265 acre Cheddar Reservoir is busting with fantastic activities and events for the whole family to enjoy. The Cheddar Reservoir is home to the Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club, which helps people of all ages learn and enjoy sailing, windsurfing and paddle sports. Recognised as a RYA Training Centre, the picturesque reservoir offers a friendly and informal environment at one of the leading sailing clubs in the South West of England.

In Partnership with Cheddar Woods

Cheddar Watersports has partnered with our own Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa to offer some fantastic paddleboard activities to our lovely guests as we are located only a short drive away from the reservoir. Cheddar Woods delivers a 5 Star experience to both owners and holiday guests, with stunning lodges to own, as well as beautiful views of the Mendip Hills and excellent facilities on your doorstep, including an archery range, fabulous climbing wall and indoor tropically heated swimming pool! But on a Thursday afternoon you could book in for a brilliant paddleboard activity at the nearby reservoir.


Paddleboard Taste Session

Enjoy an introductory session of 1 hour and 15 minutes for only £20! You must be 8 years old and over, and if you’re looking to book a group, the maximum number is 6. All equipment will be provided for the session, including a board, paddle, leash, buoyancy aid and a wetsuit, however, you must take shoes with suitable grip that you don’t mind getting wet, and your own towel. There will be changing rooms and hot showers available at the centre for after your session.

Two women paddleboarding

There will be a land demonstration to start the lesson, where everyone will be taught the 3 key stages, which are prone, kneeling and standing. You’ll then head out on to the lake for a water demonstration and where all members of the group will master the key stages before taking a trip around the lake using all your new skills.


Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga

As with the Paddleboard Taster Session, all equipment will be provided, with the exception of shoes and a towel. Changing rooms and hot showers will also be available. The1 hour and 15 minute session is only £30 per person!

Group of people taking part in paddleboard yoga
The session is suitable for both beginners and experienced yoga enthusiasts, everyone will enjoy this peaceful and challenging session! The yoga sessions take place on the paddleboard and will last around 50 minutes to an hour, depending on how long it takes the group to master the key stages to be out on the water.


How Do You Book?

Tickets can be bought online and sessions must be booked 24 hours in advance. If you have any questions or are looking to for a group booking please call the instructors direct on 07971558715.

Try something different with the taster session, or opt for a serene yoga experience and book your session today! You won’t believe the views from the stunning Cheddar Reservoir.

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Fancy going on an adventure with the one and only Peppa Pig? If so just enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to see the show when it visits Llandudno’s Venue Cymru this month. You could be joining everyone’s favourite pig, Peppa, her brother George and their friends for the adventure of a lifetime if you win our family ticket to see the show on Saturday 26th May.

Packed full of family entertainment, Peppa Pig’s Adventure is said to be the perfect treat for the whole family. The live stage show will follow Peppa, George and their friends Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe who just love having fun outside, especially when tents and muddy puddles are involved! The group will head on an exciting camping trip to the woods with their lunch-boxes all packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus.

If you’re looking for the perfect fun-filled family show to take your little ones to, then Peppa Pig’s Adventure is jam-packed with games, laughter and live music making it the ideal choice!

Photo of Peppa Pig on stage


To enter our competition for the chance to win a family ticket to see this fun-filled show just visit our New Pines Facebook page.


terms and conditions

– To enter the competition, one must comment ‘Peppa Pig’ and like our post
– Only one entry per person please
– Competition closes at 4pm on Monday 21st May and a winner will be selected at random
– The winner will be picked at 4pm and announced by 5pm on Monday 21st May.
– We’ll notify the winner on Facebook and ask them to contact us with their details via private message. They will be sent details of how to obtain their tickets.
– Not open to employees or affiliates of New Pines Holiday Park or Darwin Escapes
– The prize is for a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) to see Peppa Pig’s Adventure at Venue Cymru on Saturday 26th May at 4pm
– Prize must be claimed via direct message by midnight on Wednesday 18th April.
– Cash alternatives are not available
– Travel and accommodation is not included
– Prize is non-transferable
– The manager’s decision is final

GOOD LUCK! Oh and don’t forget to give our New Pines Facebook page a like too!


To book tickets to see this fun-filled family show when it comes to Venue Cymru on Saturday 26th May & Sunday 27th May 2018, just visit the Venue Cymru website or book via the Box Office on 01492 872000.

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Welcome to the 60s! Llandudno’s being taken back to the decade of big hair for one week only. Big, Bold and Beautiful! Hairspray wowed audiences on its opening night at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru when it provided a fresh sweet treat packed full of laughter, fun and dancing!

Set in 1962 Baltimore, from the offset it’s very easy to misjudge Hairspray, but it’s not just a musical based on a teenage girls crush and her never ending dreams to make it onto one of the biggest dance shows in the state. It’s about fighting against inequality and injustice and how a young girl uses her new found fame to do just that.

Photo of the Hairspray the Musical cast posing on stage

From the dancing to the costumes to the singing (Some of the notes the cast were hitting were just jaw-dropping!) Hairspray has it all. It’s the ultimate feel-good show and you won’t be able to stop your feet from tapping when hit songs such as Welcome To The 60s, You Can’t Stop The Beat and The Nicest Kids in Town and more start playing.

The cast is packed with talent and some may recognise the faces of Brenda Edwards (X Factor, Chicago), who takes on a great role as Motormouth Maybelle and her vocals during the number I Know Where I Have Been are guaranteed to give you goosebumps, as well as Layton Williams (Bad Education) who plays Seeweed, deservedly received a great reception from the audience, his athleticism and sleek moves are to be admired.

But one cast member I just have to mention is the leading lady herself, Rebecca Mendoza, who put her heart and soul into the teenage role of Tracey Turnblad. I couldn’t believe she was making her professional debut in this production – I’m sure, after seeing last night’s performance, she’s got a long successful career ahead of her! Her Tracey was filled full of love, humour, energy and plenty of feistiness. She had audiences howling with laughter during many of her scenes with crush Link Larken, played by Edward Chitticks, who also provided plenty of charisma.

Two members of the cast on stage during a performance of Hairspray the Musical

A favourite scene of mine from the evening featured Matt Rixon (The Ladykillers), as Tracey’s Mum, Edna, and Norman Pace (Hale & Pace) as Wilbur, Tracey’s Dad. They sang the number, (You’re) Timeless to Me, and I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever sat in a theatre that was filled with so much laughter than during that scene. They performed a timeless performance, which still had me giggling during the car ride home.

After seeing the 2007 movie of Hairspray far too many times to mention, I can say I was not disappointed in the slightest. You’ll come out beaming from ear to ear and with a skip in your step and a determination to follow your dreams. I can’t recommend this musical enough so make sure to wear your best dancing shoes because you’ll find it hard to keep your feet still during the whole show and you’ll definitely feel like jiving your way out of the theatre!

Cast member from Hairspray the Musical posing for a photo on stage

You can catch Hairspray The Musical UK Tour at Venue Cymru until Saturday 5th May. Tickets are available from the Venue Cymru website or by calling the Box Office on 01492 872000.

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Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat guests receive a fabulous 10% off at the popular Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway

Nestled in the heart of the newly announced UNESCO World Heritage Site, the stunning Lake District, Keswick Reach enjoys beautiful scenery, outstanding accommodation and five-star facilities. Our award-winning destination is a popular place to base yourself while exploring Cumbria, and one of the best ways to see the Lake District is by old-fashioned steam engine! And our guests get an exclusive 10% off tickets until 31st December 2018

 

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway

The popular railway is one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railway in England, with unrivalled views of the stunning Lake District. Known in the old Cumbrian dialect as La’al Ratty, which means “little railway”, Ravenglass & Eskdale was opened over 100 years ago in 1915, to the delight of many!

The current train journey takes passengers from Ravenglass through the World Heritage Site, to Dalegarth for Boot, which is around 210ft above sea level and offers breathtaking views. There are a few request stops during the 40 minute journey, the stops are ideally located for experienced walkers (only attempt these trails if you’ve has experience extreme rambling or in similar situations – you could get stuck out there!). You can choose between cosy covered carriages or open top carriages for your trip, where you can soak up the weather and beautiful views around you, while keeping an eye open for the local wildlife, including Greylog Geese and Buzzards, as well as Curlew’s, Shelduck’s and even Red Squirrels. When you get back to Ravenglass & Eskdale station, make sure to treat yourself to some delicious homemade snacks and warming hot drink from the café. There are also plenty of gifts to browse and mementoes to purchase in the gift shop, as well as information about fantastic trails and walks to explore this corner of the Lake District.

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway also offers a full programme of events and themed journeys all year round. From a fish and chip supper trip and teddy bears ride free journeys, to magical station gardens, which includes fancy dress and magical crafts! Along with annual seasonal events, including the spooky Ghost Train and the ever-popular Santa Express!

 

10% off vouchers available at reception

Here at Keswick Reach, we are lucky enough to have 10% off vouchers available in our reception area!
The voucher applies to a full line return for adult and child tickets, as well as full family fares, each ticket has a maximum of 4 adults and 4 children per vouchers, this fabulous offer is valid until 31st December 2018!

 


So on your next trip to Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat make sure to visit our reception and pick up your 10% off voucher and explore the Lake District and all its wonders in a completely unique way!

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Get your dancing shoes ready as the smash hit musical Hairspray is set to blast Llandudno back to the swinging 60’s!

Let us put the jive back into your dancing feet this Spring! We’re giving you the opportunity to win tickets to the opening night of the comedy musical Hairspray!

You can be part of the opening night spectacular at Venue Cymru on April 30th, just enter our Hairspray competition over on Facebook and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets for you and a friend.

For those unfamiliar with the storyline then expect to be transported back to 1962 Baltimore and to meet young Tracey Turnblad. She’s known for her big hair, big heart and a lifelong dream to dance on national TV. After a successful audition, Tracey becomes a local star in her hometown of Baltimore, bags her dream crush Link Larkin and uses her new-found fame to fight for equality.

Featuring iconic music and lyrics from the Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, you’ll find it hard to sit still when the Hairspray cast start singing tracks such as You Can’t Stop The Beat, Welcome To The 60’s and Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now.

Hairspray first took to Broadway in 2002 and won a total of 8 Tony Awards and then in 2007 the musical opened in London and bagged 4 Laurence Olivier Awards and subsequently welcomed international success. A film of the musical was also released in 2007 and stared some big names in the film industry such as John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and James Marsden.

Photo of the Hairyspray promotional poster

When it takes to the stage in Llandudno’s Venue Cymru, the Hairspray live cast will include some top names from both television and musical theatre. Matt Rixon best known for his role in The Ladykillers and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will take on the role of Tracey’s Mum, Edna Turnblad whilst Norman Pace will star as Wilbur Turnblad, Tracey’s Dad. Layton Williams known for performances in Billy Elliot as Seaweed, and also Rebecca Mendoza in her professional debut as Tracy Turnblad.

Hairspray The Musical runs from 30th April to 5th May 2018 at Venue Cymru. Tickets are on sale now on the Venue Cymru website or call the Box Office on 01492 872000.


So don your best beehive and pop over to our Aberconwy Resort & Spa page to enter our Hairspray competition and be in with a chance of bagging two tickets for the opening night of the show-stopping spectacular musical!


terms and conditions

– To enter the competition, one must comment ‘Hairspray The Musical’ and like our post
– Only one entry per person please
Competition closes at 4pm on Wednesday 18th April 2018 and a winner will be selected at random
– The winner will be picked at 4pm and announced by 5pm on Wednesday 18th April.
– We’ll notify the winner on Facebook and ask them to contact us with their details via private message. They will be sent details of how to obtain their tickets.
– Not open to employees or affiliates of Aberconwy Resort & Spa or Darwin Escapes
– The prize is for two tickets to the opening night of Hairspray at Venue Cymru on Monday 30th April at 7.30pm.
– Prize must be claimed via direct message by midnight on Wednesday 18th April.
– Cash alternatives are not available
– Travel and accommodation is not included
– Prize is non-transferable
– The manager’s decision is final

GOOD LUCK! Oh and don’t forget to give our Aberconwy Resort & Spa page a like too!

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Can’t wait till Christmas to see your next panto? Well don’t worry the Rhyl Pavilion has it covered with their Alice in Wonderland Easter Panto! We’re giving you the opportunity to take a magical trip to Wonderland and attend the fun-filled Easter Pantomime taking place in Rhyl this March.

You can enjoy the spectacular Alice in Wonderland show at the Rhyl Pavilion if you enter our fantastic Facebook competition to be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to see the show-stopping performance!

Follow the story of the curious young girl Alice, as she heads on a magical adventure to Wonderland after meeting a talking White Rabbit who takes her down a rabbit hole into another world. Not only is it inhabited by the dame: Duchess Dolly, the bonkers Mad Hatter but also the evil The Queen of Hearts and her henchmen Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee.

Will Alice find her way back? Don’t ask us! You’ll have to find out this Easter.

The fantastic line-up includes 2012 Britain’s Got Talent winner Ashleigh Butler and Sully star as the title role of Alice (and her dog). They will explore a Wonderland ruled over by Men Behaving Badly’s Leslie Ash, in her fiendish role of Queen of Hearts and inhabited by Get Your Own Back’s Dave Benson Phillips, as the outrageous Mad Hatter!

The cast also features comic Ryan Greaves as Wally the White Rabbit, Phylip Harries as the dame Duchess Dolly and Kate Salmon as the Cheshire Cat. There will also be guest appearances from the Queen of Hearts’ hapless henchmen Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee.

Juvenile Dancers will be provided by local dance schools and there will be plenty of music to get you on your feet too, provided by superb live musicians.

So expect two and a half hours of toe-tapping song and dance, some fabulous costumes and plenty of hilarious gags to get you giggling.

Anton Benson Productions’ Alice in Wonderland pantomime tours to 16 venues across the UK in March and April 2018 and will be appearing at the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre on Thursday 29th March 7pm and Friday 30th March 2pm & 7pm. Book your tickets online now on the Rhyl Pavilion website or call the Box Office on 01745 330000.


So grab your best top hat and pop over to our Seaview Facebook page to be in with a chance of bagging the family ticket we have up for grabs for the show-stopping spectacular Alice in Wonderland!


Terms and Conditions
– To enter the competition, one must comment ‘Easter Panto’ and like our post
– Only one entry per person please
Competition closes at 4pm on Monday 19th March 2018 and a winner will be selected at random
– The winner will be picked at 4pm and announced by 5pm on Monday 19th March 2018
– We’ll notify the winner on Facebook and ask them to contact us with their details via private message. They will be sent details of how to obtain their tickets.
– Not open to employees or affiliates of Seaview or Darwin Escapes
– The prize is one family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to the Easter 2018 Panto at Rhyl Pavilion
– Prize must be claimed via direct message by midnight on Wednesday 21st March 2018
– Cash alternatives are not available
– Performance dates are Thursday 29th March 7pm and Friday 30th March 2pm & 7pm
– Date and time of performance is strictly subject to availability at Rhyl Pavilion, though will of course do our best to get you to the performance you prefer.
– Travel and accommodation is not included
– Prize is non-transferable
– The manager’s decision is final

GOOD LUCK! Oh and don’t forget to give our Seaview Facebook page a like too!

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Take a chance on the heart-warming musical Mamma Mia! and you will not regret it! The first UK tour of the smash hit musical has stopped in Venue Cymru to bring a bit of Greek sunshine to the North Wales coast.

Featuring all the top hits from one of Sweden’s biggest pop groups ABBA, Mamma Mia! has been cleverly weaved into a timeless story of family and friendship and set on an idyllic Greek island (what more could you ask for from a musical?). It provides the perfect pick me up and has you leaving the theatre with a smile on your face and the catchy ABBA tunes repeating in your head!

From West End to global phenomenon, the London production of Mamma Mia! is now one of only five musicals to have run for more than 10 years on Broadway and in the West End. In 2011, it became the first Western musical to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China. Thanks to the 2008 movie of the same name featuring the likes of Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnon and Julie Walters, the production just keeps growing in popularity and it has fans across the world who adore everything Mamma Mia!. A sequel of the film is also due for release later in the year.

Male cast members posing for a photo during a performance of Mamma Mia

it was a super trouper night in llandudno once the cast of mamma mia! took to the stage…

For those unfamiliar with the storyline, it follows 20-year-old bride-to-be Sophie Sheridan, who after finding her mother’s old diaries, decides to get in contact with her three possible fathers. Audiences are taken on a journey through the ups and downs of her discovery and the plans for her upcoming wedding. Whilst Sophie’s Mother, Donna, is confused after finding her old flames back on the island after 21 years but thankfully her old friends Rosie and Tanya are around to provide plenty of humour along the way!

As a big fan of the film, I was unsure if I would enjoy the thought of the characters I loved on screen being portrayed by someone else on stage, but as soon as the classic ABBA music started for Money, Money, Money, I knew I’d enjoy the alternative take on the characters.

Female cast members posing for a photo during a performance of Mammia Mia

The stand out performances for me on the night had to be from the trio that is ‘Donna and the Dynamos’. Helen Hobson played a superb portrayal as Donna. Her rendition of The Winner Takes It All was heart-wrenching and so powerful, it left audiences cheering for a while after her performance. Emma Clifford played Tanya and for those who know the movie – her scene where she sings Does Your Mother Know was one of the funniest scenes and I have to give credit to Louis Stockil who played Pepper for his athleticism during that scene! WOW! Finally, Gillian Hardie as Rosie provided humour in bucket loads, one of the final scenes where she sang Take A Chance On Me had to be one of my favourite.

From the cleverly designed staging which takes you in and out of the hotel to the talented ensemble who provided a show-stopping spectacular when it came to Voulez-Vous – Mamma Mia! brought plenty of entertainment. With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, it’s easy to see why by the end of the performance audiences were on their feet, mimicking the dancing queen moves and roaring with applause. Enjoy the sound of Dancing Queen; Honey, Honey; SOS and Thank You for the Music to name a few.


You can catch Mamma Mia! at Venue Cymru until Sunday 14th January. Tickets are on sale on the Venue Cymru website or by calling their Box Office 01492 872000.

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