NOTHING captures life’s highs and lows like an Abba song. And as the musical narrative of Mamma Mia, these much-loved classics tell a story of friendship, break-ups, make-ups and a mother’s love.

The hit musical is at the Alhambra for a month, and audiences are loving it. Not for nothing has this show been a West End success for 20 years; the songs are loved down the generations, and the staging - so beautifully lit it feels like being on holiday - gives it a timeless appeal.

Sophie, who lives with mum Donna in a dilapidated B&B on a Greek island, is marrying her sweetheart, Sky, and decides she wants the father she has never met at the wedding. After reading Donna’s old diaries, Sophie discovers her dad could be one of three men - so she invites them all, bringing Donna face-to-face with her romantic past. Mamma Mia!

What follows is a funny, moving and ultimately feelgood show, often labelled the original jukebox musical but offering so much more. When Sophie and her ‘three dads’ sing Our Last Summer it feels like they’re getting to know each other; when Donna belts out SOS and The Winner Takes It All she’s confronting her past and a failed relationship, and the ensemble performance of Voulez-Vous sets the flirty scene when the sun has set and the stags and hens come out to play. These Abba songs, blending catchy pop with often devastating lyrics about love and loss, are embedded in our psyche, and this excellent production does them proud. Highlights included Money Money Money, with a wonderful Greek chorus, the Under Attack dream sequence and Slipping Through My Fingers, which left barely a dry eye in the auditorium.

It’s a show that has you laughing out loud one minute, and dabbing your eyes the next. A packed audience of all ages, from young children to grandparents, sang along and by the finale everyone was on their feet to crowd-pleasers Dancing Queen and Waterloo.

The subtle trickery of Howard Harrison’s lighting brought the Greek island idyll beautifully to life; creating deep blue skies, golden beaches, sunlit tavernas and a shimmering sea.

Sharon Sexton was excellent as Donna, capturing her strength, independence and vulnerability. She was fun too, especially with her fabulous Dynamos; great comic performances by Nicky Swift (Rosie) and Helen Anker (Tanya). Lovely Emma Mullen was refreshingly spirited as Sophie, a role that sometimes feels too saccharine, and Rob Fowler, Daniel Crowder and Jamie Kenna stole our hearts as Sam, Harry and Bill.

A terrific slice of sunshine. Thank You for The Music!

Runs until November 23.