After months of hype, Mamma Mia! has finally arrived in cinemas and it’s cheesy, bright and breezy all rolled into one – just don’t take it too seriously.

Around 200 cinemagoers turned out at Merry Hill’s Odeon cinema for a screening of the the feelgood movie adaptation of the successful stage musical featuring the songs of Abba, which stars the Black Country’s super trouper actress Julie Walters.

And many sang along to the classic Abba hits, such as Dancing Queen, Money Money Money and Gimme Gimme Gimme, which feature throughout the film.

Those who got to see the movie on its opening night had won tickets for the special screening in a competition organised by Merry Hill shopping centre and Beacon Radio. And among the cinemagoers were a number who decided to really get into the swing of things and dress up as Abba.

Abba fan Gill Griffin, aged 54, of Kingswinford, stepped back in time to the 70s with her outfit. “I do like Abba’s music. They are catchy tunes and so easy to sing along to,” said Gill, who was joined at last night’s screening by husband Ricky, 56.

“We’re thrilled to see the movie and we really want to see it on stage too,” said Gill, who works for car dealership All Electric in Halesowen.

Friends Jade Lewis, 18, and Claire Sayfritz, 18, both of Wednesfield, dressed up in silver glittering outfits especially for the screening.

“We thought we’d look the part for the film and dress up like the Abba girls,” said Jade.

Nicky James, 25, and Lucy Hounsell, 23, both of Telford, said they loved the sing-along Abba songs. “Dancing Queen is our favourite,” they said.

Smethwick actress Julie Walters stars alongside Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard and Christine Baranski in the film. It’s a fun movie, and Streep, who plays Greek hotel owner Donna, throws everything she’s got into the role and proves to be quite a dancing queen.

Walters is hilarious as Donna’s pal Rosie and steals practically every scene that she’s in. But while Streep manages to impress with her singing, the same cannot be said for former James Bond actor Brosnan. His version of S.O.S is something else – for all the wrong reasons. And to be fair, Firth’s voice isn’t much better.

But the cast play it for laughs in what is essentially a comedy. The Greek island setting adds to the appeal, but the real stars of the show are Abba’s iconic tunes – and there’s the lyrics to a couple of Abba’s finest on this page to get you in the mood.