THE first UK tour of the smash hit musical Mamma Mia! premieres at the Bristol Hippodrome from March 25-May 7.

Mamma Mia! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise.

To date, it has been seen by more than 54 million people in 49 productions in 14 different languages.

Mamma Mia! The Movie is the highest worldwide grossing live-action musical film of all time.

With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast.

The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch.

Creator and producer Judy Craymer said: “It’s fabulous that the first ever UK tour of Mamma Mia! will debut in Bristol.

"It’s an exciting new journey for the show with its celebration of much-loved music and feel-good story.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming new audiences, as well as those who would love to see it again, to come and join us for the party.”

Writer Catherine Johnson said: “I’m delighted that The Bristol Hippodrome will be the first stop on this exciting new UK tour of Mamma Mia! It’s especially meaningful to me that we will be starting in my home city. I hope Bristol audiences will embrace the show again and have a great time.”

Steve Jones, marketing manager of The Bristol Hippodrome said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Mamma Mia! back to The Bristol Hippodrome having been visited by the International Tour in 2007.

"The show was a feel-good hit with audiences and we’re hugely proud to be the inaugural venue on Mamma Mia's exciting new UK tour.”

  •  Mamma Mia is at The Bristol Hippodrome opens at the The Bristol Hippodrome from Friday, March 25-Saturday, May 7. Tickets £15 - £59.50. Concessions available at certain performances. Go to atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome for tickets.