Mamma Mia! the Party applies for London planning permission

The famous musical could be soon be London's biggest party.

ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus has announced plans to bring Mamma Mia! the Party to London as he and producer Ingrid Sutej have revealed that they are currently in the process of applying for planning permission to create a temporary venue near London's Waterloo to host the theatrical event.

The site-specific venue will recreate the famous taverna from the musical complete with courtyard, olive trees, a fountain and lots of bougainvillea - designed to resemble the island of Skopelos, where the film was shot.

The architects Haworth Tompkins are currently working with the local community to create something that is acceptable to them as well as to Lambeth Council. In a press statement released today it was announced that Coin Street Community Builders have been approached about a site adjacent to the Coin Street neighbourhood centre on Stamford Street, London SE1. Initial plans include building the exotic Greek taverna that will play host to Mamma Mia! the Party where the audience "will be served great Mediterranean food and entertained by a cast of actors and musicians, who will transport them to the Greek island paradise."

The idea for Mamma Mia! the Party came from Ulvaeus who watched audiences of the musical having such a good time and wondering what could happen if that party spirit could continue into the night. Director Roine Söderlundh and writer Calle Norlén worked alongside Ulvaeus to come up with a set of new characters and a brand new story using songs from the musical as well as other ABBA songs. The party officially opened in Stockholm in January 2016 and has been a success with tourists, living adjacent to the ABBA museum which is already one of the city's most visited attractions.

Björn said, "The South Bank is the perfect place for Mamma Mia! the Party. The building could be used for other activities as well, outside Party hours, so we hope it would be an asset for the whole community."

The planning application is currently underway and Londoners could soon be putting on their flares and becoming the South Bank's newest "Dancing Queen".

Further information about Mamma Mia! the Party is yet to be announced.

Mamma Mia! tickets are currently on sale at the Novello Theatre