Speaking_film, music band _Mamma Mia

The ever so-beloved West End musical Mamma Mia! has finally been taken from the stage to the silver screen.

The film is based on the songs of legendary Swedish pop band ABBA and is an adaptation of the musical of the same name.

Mamma Mia! uses the music of ABBA to tell the story of Sophie Sheridan, a 21-year-old American bride-to-be, trying to find out the identity of her real father so that he can give her away at the wedding.

Since the premiere of the musical in London in 1999, over 30 million people have seen Mamma Mia! around the world and the theatre production has grossed $2bn in earnings.

Although the title of the musical is taken from ABBA's 1975 chart-topper Mamma Mia, neither the musical's nor the film's plot has anything to do with the story of the group itself.

The band ABBA was the winner of the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and following that success their songs topped the charts worldwide until the early 1980s.

After a week of exclusive showing in the Leicester Square Odeon, one of London's most famous cinemas, the film was screened in cinemas across the country from 10th July.

Some people say maybe it is the mature A-list cast that makes the film work so well. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard star as the three potential fathers with the Oscar winner Meryl Streep starring as the mum of the bride-to-be.

A film critic said the film is truly wonderful. It is sharp, hilarious and very beautifully shot.

If you are a fan of ABBA, a fan of the musical, or simply just a fan of Pierce Brosnan, then the film Mamma Mia! is a must.


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Vocabulary

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ever so beloved
very popular
the silver screen
the cinema
legendary
very famous
bride-to-be
woman who is going to get married
give her away
the formal act in a wedding ceremony when the bride is presented to the groom, traditionally by her father, is known as 'giving away'
has grossed
has taken an amount of money before tax and other expenses
chart-topper
song which reached the top of the music charts
topped the charts
reached the number one position in the music charts
A-list cast
the actors in the film are from the top group of respected performers
shot
filmed
is a must
is something that should not be missed