Your North West Wedding- April/May 2020 (Issue 61)

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY I’m a firm believer that there are two types of people in this world: people who love ABBA and people who won’t admit they love ABBA. I am well and truly in the first camp – in fact, obsessed is probably the correct term for my adoration of the Swedish fab four – so my expectations were very high for this event. Billed as an immersive entertainment experience that puts guests at the heart of the action, I couldn’t quite picture how this was going to pan out and all I knew was that we would be getting dinner while watching a Mamma Mia -inspired show. Arriving at the O2 with my sister (another ABBA nut), we walked through the big blue doors and suddenly we were on a Greek island in a pretty courtyard complete with fountain, olive trees and walls draped in bougainvillea, instead of London on a dreary Monday night. From the moment we took our seats in Nikos’ Taverna, that was it; I was swept up in the brilliant and slightly ridiculous magic of it all. The free-flowing wine probably helped. Everyone was so into the show that they probably could’ve got away with mediocre food, but in truth it was delicious. The four-course gourmet meal of tasty Mediterranean fare was incredible – the bread and olives alone were to die for. And as for the show, it was just one huge incredible party – we all laughed, cried and sang along with our new found friends – and we weren’t just observing, everyone was part of the action. I challenge anyone to not start dancing; we were up mid-mouthful at many points if Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! or Dancing Queen were somehow shoehorned into the plot. The joyous atmosphere was totally infectious. At the end of the show, they roll out a huge stage and a disco starts up. My sister and I were devastated to leave but we had to get the last train home, which we soon found out had been cancelled, and with that we were back down to earth with a thud. If you don’t like ABBA, the price tag may terrify you. If you do, it’s worth every penny. Visit the website mammamiatheparty.com We put two London hen dos to the test PARTY W hatever your taste, there’s not much that the capital can’t offer in terms of hen do celebrations. Hannah Faulder got to check out two of the best experiences – oh, the hardship – one you can invite your nan along to and the other, well, maybe not… IN THE CAPITAL When I told people I was going to see Magic Mike Live I got a lot of giggles and some funny looks. If you’re a millennial woman, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the film (or at least, fast-forwarded to the good bits), so you probably have an idea of what the live show will entail. What Channing Tatum’s extravaganza actually provides though is a somewhat more friendly experience. I won’t give the premise away (although let’s face it, we’re not here for the story), but let’s just say that the female MC is very much in charge of the situation, and we as audience members are reaping the benefits of a more feminist approach to a traditional strip show. We arrived at the Hippodrome Casino, which is perfectly located in Leicester Square for those who want a night on the town afterwards, and are directed to the venue and order a drink right to our seats. The show is around an hour and a half, but it goes by in a flash of tanned skin and oiled muscles. The dance moves range from a bit saucy to one routine with a female dancer that verges on indecent, but the general feel- good vibe of the evening and the comedic styling of the host stop it from careering into tacky. I have to say, I haven’t laughed so much in a long time. My friend and I were screaming and whooping along to the show – and this was a school night! I can just imagine a Saturday night with a group of your best girls and you could bring the house down. I have to mention the audience participation, as it is a big part of the show. I was slightly terrified at the prospect of this beforehand, but when you’re in the moment the nerves go out the window. My friend even sat on a piano and had a hunky man serenade her! It feels like a totally safe and inclusive environment, but if you’re really not up for a lap dance, just say the safe word “unicorn” and you’ll be passed by. Not that we saw many people using the safe word, except for a very embarrassed looking Alex Jones from The One Show . All in all, this is riotous, naughty fun best consumed with copious cocktails and your best friends by your side. Visit magicmikelondon.co.uk MAGIC MIKE LIVE Helen Maybanks Helen Maybanks Trevor Leighton 10