The MAMMA MIA! experience at Mamma Mia! The Party in London is a memorable evening packed with singing, dancing, and dining that lasts around 4 hours from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of the key timings for MAMMA MIA The Party so you know what to expect from this interactive ABBA extravaganza.
Arrival
Guests are welcomed into the party setting from 7pm onwards. The show starts promptly at 8pm, so you’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in, find your table, order drinks, and soak up the 1970s atmosphere. Most people arrive between 7:15pm and 7:45pm to give themselves enough time before showtime.
Act 1
Act 1 runs for around 1 hour and 15 minutes, starting at 8pm. During this time, you’ll be introduced to the characters and storylines through iconic ABBA songs and live musical performances. The talented cast performs ABBA classics like ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ and many more to get the party started.
Main Course
After Act 1 ends, main courses are served at around 9:15/9:30pm. You’ll get to enjoy a delicious 3-course meal of starter, main dish, and dessert. The food service generally takes 60-75 minutes as you continue to be entertained between courses by singing waiters and short performances.
Act 2
The second act kicks off around 10:30pm once mains have been cleared. Like the first act, you can expect another energetic 60-75 minutes of live music and performances from the cast. More iconic ABBA tracks like ‘Lay All Your Love on Me’, ‘Voulez Vous’ and ‘Waterloo’ feature in Act 2 to keep the party going.
Finale
After Act 2 concludes at around 11:15pm, the cast returns for a rousing all-cast finale medley of ABBA’s greatest hits. The grand finale goes for around 15 minutes and ends on a high note around 11:30pm.
Farewells
After the final curtain call, the cast works the room to say farewell to guests as people begin to leave after 11:30pm. Most guests stay for a last drink and dance before making their way home around midnight when the party winds down.
Total Duration
In summary, the total duration of MAMMA MIA! The Party from your arrival time to final farewells is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes:
Arrival and Pre-Show Drinks | 30 minutes |
Act 1 | 75 minutes |
Main Course Dinner | 60-75 minutes |
Act 2 | 60-75 minutes |
Finale | 15 minutes |
Farewells | 30 minutes |
Total | 4.5 hours |
So in summary, you can expect to be at Mamma Mia! The Party for around 4 and a half hours for the complete interactive theatre and dining experience. It’s a full evening of quality entertainment that transports audiences back to the 1970s through timeless ABBA disco hits and a fun storyline portrayed by a talented cast.
What to Expect in Detail
Here is a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect from each part of the Mamma Mia! The Party experience:
Arrival (7:00pm onwards)
- Check in at the front desk area
- Escorted to your table by a singing waiter
- Your table will be set up with cutlery, glasses, and menus
- Drinks orders taken – cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks
- Atmospheric 70s music playing in the background
- Other audience members arriving and being seated
- Buzz of anticipation for the show to start
Act 1 (8:00pm – 9:15/9:30pm)
- Lights go down and the show begins
- Cast members emerge lip-syncing and dancing to iconic ABBA hits
- The story and characters are introduced through songs and skits
- Songs performed include “Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia”, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”, “The Name of the Game”, and more
- Solo, duet, and group singing and dance performances
- Upbeat, energetic act with disco dancing and 70s vibe
- Fun audience interaction and singalong moments
Main Course (9:15/9:30pm – 10:15/10:30pm)
- Starter dish served first, e.g. salad, bruschetta
- Cast perform short songs/scenes during starter service
- Main dish served – choice of roast chicken, salmon, veggie dish, etc.
- More tableside performances during main course
- Dessert served – cheesecake, tiramisu, profiteroles
- Buzz of conversation and dining during meal service
- Waiting staff in character serving dishes and clearing plates
Act 2 (10:30pm – 11:15pm)
- Starts with a song/scene recapping Act 1 events
- Storyline progresses with more beloved ABBA hits
- Songs include “Lay All Your Love on Me”, “Knowing Me, Knowing You”, “Thank You for the Music”
- Fun choreography and disco routines
- More audience participation during songs
- Energy builds towards finale numbers
Finale (11:15pm – 11:30pm)
- Full cast return to stage for medley of ABBA greatest hits
- Upbeat mix gets the crowd on their feet dancing and singing
- Songs include “Voulez Vous”, “Does Your Mother Know”, “Waterloo”, “Super Trouper”
- Confetti cannons, sparklers, disco balls for exciting finish
- Cast take final bows as show ends around 11:30pm
Farewells (11:30pm onwards)
- Cast disperses into audience to say goodbye to guests
- Photo opportunities with cast members
- Guests begin leaving after finishing drinks/conversations
- 70s music plays in background again
- Most guests depart by midnight when party winds down
Key Timings Summary
To summarize the key timings:
- Arrive 7:00pm-7:45pm
- Act 1: 8pm-9:15/9:30pm (75 mins)
- Dinner: 9:15/9:30pm-10:15/10:30pm (60-75 mins)
- Act 2: 10:30pm-11:15pm (60-75 mins)
- Finale: 11:15pm-11:30pm (15 mins)
- Farewells: 11:30pm-midnight (30 mins)
So all up you can expect to be at Mamma Mia! The Party for around 4 and a half hours for the complete dinner theatre experience.
Tips for an Enjoyable Experience
To make the most of your Mamma Mia! The Party evening, here are some handy tips:
- Arrive in the earlier half of the arrival window (7:15-7:30pm) to settle in
- Pre-order drinks so they’re ready at your table
- Read up on the story beforehand so you can follow along
- Sing and clap along to the musical numbers
- Bring cash for tipping waiting staff
- Chat to fellow guests before and after the show
- Stay until the farewells for photos with cast
- Dress in sparkly, fun 70s inspired outfits
- Learn the lyrics to popular ABBA songs
- Book a hotel nearby if coming from out of town
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable evening enjoying this unique ABBA experience in London!
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive?
You should aim to arrive between 7:15pm and 7:45pm. This gives you time to check in, find your table, order drinks, and get settled before Act 1 starts promptly at 8pm.
What is the dress code?
Dress code is “dressing up” – think sparkles, glamour and 70s disco style. Outfits with a nod to ABBA or the 1970s era are encouraged but not compulsory.
Can I take photos/videos during the show?
As a fully immersive experience, no photography or filming is allowed once the show starts as it can spoil the experience. Farewell photos with cast are welcomed.
How long do I have for dinner?
The 3-course dinner service takes 60-75 minutes in between Act 1 and Act 2. The timing ensures everyone finishes mains before the second act.
What time does Mamma Mia! finish?
The finale wraps up at around 11:30pm. Guests are invited to stay on for farewells until around midnight when the party winds down.
Can I order drinks throughout?
Yes, the waiting staff take additional drink orders tableside between acts and during dinner. There is a full bar with beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks.
Is there an age limit?
Mamma Mia! The Party is suitable for ages 5 and above. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Conclusion
A night out at Mamma Mia! The Party offers an exciting evening of entertainment that lasts approximately 4 and a half hours from start to finish. With two 75-minute acts packed with singing and dancing to ABBA’s greatest hits, a delicious 3-course dinner, and farewells with photo opps, it’s an unforgettable ABBA experience for theatre-lovers, 70s fans, and anyone looking for an interactive night out in London.