With hit musical Mamma Mia! in town for a few more days, Oxford Mail reporter Tom Williams had a dream of going behind the scenes. He finds out whether the cast and crew still love the songs when all is said and done, and whether you'll thank them for the music if you head along to the extravaganza.

GIANT silver boots and elaborate flares litter the backstage area of the New Theatre whilst the super troupers and dancing queens of Mamma Mia! are in town.

Audiences have been going wild for the show, which is in Oxford for the first time for a two week run.

Nikki Davis-Jones, the production's artistic director, said she had expected Oxford crowds to be 'a bit subdued' but has described an amazing reception so far.

She said: "People are totally with us every step of the way.

"Other places can take a little time to get going but in Oxford they have really gone wild for it."

A cast of 53 actors and crew are currently on a nationwide tour and made the trip down from Sunderland last week.

The whole set has to be packed up and built again at each stop in order to tell the now familiar story of a couple getting married on a Greek island, interspersed with Abba's biggest hits.

The musical hit the big screen a decade ago, starring Piers Brosnan and Meryl Street, and a sequel has just been announced.

Ms Davis-Jones said: "It is quite a major operation.

"I don't think the actors have a clue how much effort goes in to setting this up, it all happens so quickly."

Despite working on the show full time since January, Ms Davis-Jones said the cast are still on good terms and that the show 'only seems to attract happy people'.

She said: "Honestly, everyone is legendary.

"There are a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong but thankfully it's been brilliant so far.

"I think the music helps.

"It's so happy and joyful, it picks every one up every time."

The show's stars have to squeeze in to their glamorous costumes in the cramped dressing rooms backstage.

The costumes need almost constant maintenance to replace sequins and jewels lost in the exuberance of the show.

Everything is laid out as part of a well-oiled machine with props neatly labelled, ready to be grabbed at a moment's notice.

Ms Davis-Jones said her favourite song in the show is 'Slipping through my fingers' and swears that they do not get annoying, even after hundreds of listens.

Steph Tye, the New Theatre's Marketing and Communications Officer said: "When we found out Mamma Mia was coming, we were thrilled.

"It is such a fantastic production.

"It's been so popular and we are now nearly sold out."

Mamma Mia! runs at the New Theatre until Saturday. For tickets call 0844 8713020 or visit atgtickets.com