Mamma Mia! the Party review: How much tickets cost, what the food is like and what you can expect from this immersive live show and dining experience

I didn’t even have to navigate an airport to do it, I simply jumped on a train to London, arrived at the O2 and the rest was taken care of.

That’s because I was lucky enough to be invited to experience Mamma Mia! the Party – a live show and dining experience created using the magic of ABBA’s music and based on the hit 2008 movie Mamma Mia!

The theming is incredible. From the second we walked through the Grecian-blue doors we instantly felt like we were abroad.

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From the fairy lights strung around pillars and balconies, to the climbing bougainvillea, to the fountain in the centre of the floor and even the sound of crickets chirping gently in the background, your brain will be tricked into thinking it’s a summer’s evening in the Mediterranean.

It’s a feast for the senses, and that’s before you’ve even been shown to your table!

We were seated on the stage, but every seat looked to have a good view because the action is constantly moving and taking place all around the space.

Sometimes, I was so close to the performers I felt like I was a part of the show. Other times, they were across the other side of the room, or even up in the balconies.

The idea is you’re on the island of Skopelos, dining at Nikos’ family-run taverna. In between a delicious four-course meal (more on that later) you’ll discover a blossoming new story, written by comedian Sandi Toksvig.

You’ll meet Nikos (played by Antony Costa, of boyband Blue fame, until July), Kate, Adam, and Konstantina as they navigate family life in the taverna. Accompanied by a live band, circus performers and more, you really do feel like you’re part of their world.

Once you’re seated at your table, you’ll be served your starter. It’s a traditional sharing Greek mezze and Greek salad with spanakopita, a filo pastry parcel with spinach and feta.

It was fresh and plentiful, and my friend Sarah and I felt a bit concerned we might not eat our main course.

But we didn’t need to worry because once you’re done with the first course the action starts, so you get a break before mains are served.

All the classic ABBA songs are woven into the love story of young Adam and Konstantina. Audience singalongs are encouraged, so there’s a party atmosphere from the get-go. The words to Waterloo are even printed on the back of the menu so there’s no excuse not to join in.

Before you know it, braised lamb and slow-cooked beef are heading towards your table, or if you prefer veggie options like me, you’ll get a potato and aubergine moussaka. They come with side dishes of garlic-roasted baby potatoes and roasted vegetable briam. Everything is served family-style, and while we had a table for two, you might be sitting at a larger table with other groups who you would share with. Because, when in Greece…

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More action and songs followed before dessert appeared. The Greek lemon cake is served as separate portions, with a choice of tea or coffee and a cranberry baklava. After a filling meal it was just light enough that I could fit it in. So delicious, too!

And then, just when you start getting sad that it’s all over, the ‘glittering ABBA disco’ starts. The performers start it off, and then the audience is left to literally dance the night away.

I just loved, loved, loved how immersive it was. I’ve never experienced a show quite like it and I already feel like I need to go back – to see it from a different angle, to eat the delicious food again and to just generally soak up the joyful, party atmosphere.

Tickets for this four-hour experience start from £109 per person for off-peak performances in Tier C seating, rising to £210 for peak performances in Tier A seating.

For more information, and to book, visit mammamiatheparty.co.uk