Television & radio review: Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream brings unprecedented levels of screaming to reality shows

2023-10-22 21:52:26

Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream Review – No Reality Show Has Ever Featured This Much Screaming

Perhaps due to my selective memory, I don't recall there being such an overwhelming amount of screaming the first time Mamma Mia! aired. In fact, it's possible that no reality show has ever had this level of screaming. Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream follows 14 aspiring musical theatre stars competing for the chance to make their debut in the Abba-filled West End show. Brace yourselves - it's like watching Zoe Ball try to control a group of unruly cats.

A Challenging Journey on the Greek Island of Corfu

Now it's Zoe Ball's turn to prove herself as she gathers seven potential Sophies and seven potential Skys on the picturesque Greek island of Corfu. These hopefuls, most with some degree of artistic training, go through a series of workshops and tasks designed to separate the Meryl Streeps from the Pierce Brosnans. Despite having less rehearsal time than I give myself before a phone call about a gas bill, they must deliver showstopping performances.

The Judges and Alan Carr's Controversial Inclusion

Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream features a panel of four judges, three of whom have legitimate reasons to sit in judgment (singer-songwriter Jessie Ware, Glee star and Olivier award-winner Amber Riley, and singer Samantha Barks, currently on maternity leave from Frozen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London). However, there's also Alan Carr, who openly admits his lack of qualifications for the role. One can't help but wonder if his inclusion is a calculated move to add a comedic yet uninformed presence. I wish shows like this would rely more on the expertise of the judges rather than these gimmicky additions.

The Unfortunate Underrepresentation of the Experts

The most regrettable aspect of the show is how little screen time is given to accomplished veterans Martin Lowe (musical director) and Anthony van Laast (creative director and choreographer). They seem unsmiling, possibly unbriefed, and are perhaps only just realizing what a chaotic production they have signed up for. They are barely shown for three seconds before the camera is abruptly taken away from them, leaving viewers wanting more.

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