Mamma Mia! The Party at The O2: Is This London’s Best Night Out?

Every time I visited The O2, I walked past a certain corner and saw long lines. I never really understood why they had those long lines or what was happening behind those doors, but now, I finally know. Walking into Mamma Mia! The Party at The O2 feels exactly like stepping through the back of the wardrobe into Narnia. One minute you are in the bustling O2 Arena complex, and the next, you’ve passed through a door into a Greek taverna. The blue and white décor, the twinkling lights, and the central water fountain make you forget that you were anywhere close to the River Thames.

What makes this experience so unique and sets it apart from standard West End shows is that it isn’t just a musical you watch from a distance. This is a 4-hour immersive experience featuring an original storyline written by the brilliant Sandi Toksvig.

I went in having never actually seen the films. And, I'll be honest, until I went to this show I had no idea that the movie Mamma Mia! came out decades after ABBA released the original track. But, it didn’t matter at all. The atmosphere is so infectious that you’ll be singing along to " Mamma Mia" regardless.

The Essential Information

Detail	What You Need to Know
Location	The O2, North Greenwich
Duration	Approximately 4 hours
Dress Code	Sparkling Disco Attire or Smart Casual
Age Limit	Minimum 5 years (Under 18s must be accompanied by a guardian)
Nearest Tube	Jubilee Line (A few minutes walk from the O2)
Price Range	GBP 122.08 to GBP 235.20

Tip: As you head inside, look for the staircase leading up to the dance area. Stop and take a picture on the staircase. The lighting and the décor make it the perfect "Instagrammable moment".

Setting the Scene

The immersion starts before you even take your first bite. Whisking you away from London, the experience begins with the sound of a plane taking off, signalling that you have officially left the UK behind.

Mamma Mia! The Party is set within Nikos’ Taverna on the stunning fictitious island of Skopelos, the same island where the original Mamma Mia! movie was set. As the sun begins to set over the taverna, you find yourself at the heart of a bustling, family-run business. But there is more than just dinner being served; a secret romance is blossoming right beneath your eyes. You aren't just an observer; you are a taverna patron in the middle of a budding love story.

The First Act

The evening begins with a traditional sharing Greek Mezze. If you haven't had a "Mezze" before, it’s a spread of small, flavourful dishes designed to be shared.

Don't be surprised if the cast interacts with you directly; at one point, Adam even touched my shoulder to ask me if he should climb up the stairs to pursue Nina! It completely shatters the barrier between audience and stage, making you feel like an actual character in the story.

The Main Event

After the first act, it’s time for the main course. The food is surprisingly high-quality for a large-scale dinner show. We were served:

• Lamb Stifado & Slow-Cooked Beef: The absolute star of the meal. The beef was cooked to perfection, incredibly tender, and rich in flavour.

• Sides: Garlic roasted baby potatoes and a delicious Vegetable Briam, which is a traditional Greek roasted vegetable dish.

The Finale

The finale is where the energy erupts! Seeing the entire room singing and dancing along to ABBA’s greatest hits is pure joy. The production value is top-tier, featuring stunning theatrics and indoor fireworks that bring a real "wow" factor to the finale.

Once the story ends, the tables are cleared, but the night is far from over. The dance floor stays open, turning the whole taverna into a disco. This is when you’ll be glad you brought your dancing shoes!

FAQs

Is it worth it?

In short: Yes, absolutely.

It is more than just a show; it is a four-hour immersive experience. While the ticket price is higher than a standard West End play, you have to remember you are getting a four-course Mediterranean feast, a live performance that happens around you, and a full-blown ABBA disco to end the night.

What is the dress code?

It’s time to wear your "dan dan" as we say back at home! This is the night to bring out your best as all I saw around me were sequins and glitter.

What are the best seats?

We sat in Tier A, which I absolutely loved. You are right in the heart of the action, and the performers often walk right past your table.

However, don't feel like you're missing out if you're higher up. The Terrace seats offer an amazing perspective, especially for the aerial stunts. Seeing the performers fly through the air across the venue is actually easier to track when you have that slightly elevated view!

The VIP Upgrade: Is it worth the extra?

It is important to note that drinks are not included in the standard ticket price. We had the VIP Upgrade, and it really made the night feel special. Here is what you get:

• A glass of champagne on arrival.

• Half a bottle of house wine (or 2 beers or unlimited soft drinks).

• An exclusive Mamma Mia! The Party party pack of memorabilia.

If you want a "hassle-free" night where the drinks are already sorted, the VIP route is definitely the way to go.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, words can not express just how much I enjoyed Mamma Mia! The Party. It is a completely different kind of theatrical experience. From the fresh food and non-stop dancing, the production value was on another level. The team behind this has created something truly magical. Walking past the venue, it is completely obvious why it’s always packed out.

If you are a musical lover who also loves to eat, pack your bags, this is your next great adventure. And, if you are looking to line up your next musical fix in London, make sure to head over to my recent blog post to see how the West End Witches held up on my last theatre run!