3 Hours on a Greek Island

It was booked 16 months ago and the ticket paid for in three instalments.  The coach arrived and started to fill up with 'Prime Time' members clutching their cool bags, crutches, walking sticks and husbands, the few that had them.  The party was mostly women over 70 years of age, some in their 90's.  I felt young and out of place as the guest of the group leader.

Arriving in the centre of Birmingham the coach driver re-fixed the electrical lift for those needing wheelchairs.  I was instructed to take the arm of Irene.  Her husband Frank had Dementia and followed behind us.  A very slow walk around the corner and into the foyer of the Hippodrome theatre, having negotiated avoiding tripping over the feet of a drunken man asleep on the pavement corner, was a sad reminder not only of those less fortunate without home or family but also that I am not one of the 'sandwich' generation with elderly parents and grandchildren to care for.

Packed lunches eaten and coffees fetched (and spilt) the theatre doors open and I guide the couple to their seats, help them off with their coats and sat in the row behind with my friend and other volunteer helpers.

Immediately the show began I was there on a Greek Island - Santorini, Cyprus, Rhodes, Cos - anywhere but in the centre of the second city of England. The scenery was simplistic but affective, the blue and white of buildings, sky and sea.  Having seen the film Mamma Mia several times I wondered how the stage version would be.  It was every bit as fantastic.  The actors were brilliant, the songs rousing and fun.  I noticed Frank's stick bobbing up and down to all the tunes. 

The colours of the costumes and props were vibrant.  Sophie and Sky were every bit as in love as in the film.  Sky's virile young friends strutted their stuff and bared tanned and oiled chests in the 'Lay all your love on me' scene which was superbly danced in flippers and open wet suits.  Donna and her three old flames and two girl friends made us laugh and clap and sing.  When Sam offered to show Donna a scar on his chest one of our older ladies shouted out "Yes Please!"  Naughty at Ninety!  It was so funny.

The finale had everyone on their feet, some having been helped up after the long spell of being seated, and we clapped and sang along with the well known Abba songs.  I looked around me and marvelled at the house full of happy souls enjoying this escapism and entertainment.  It was an awesome sight and an electric atmosphere.

WOW, that was some trip.  I thoroughly recommend the show and would rate it 12 out of 10!