HOLLYWOOD celebrities including Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep attended the world premiere of Mamma Mia: The Musical in London on Monday, June 30, 2008, where they were greeted by hundreds of rapturous fans.

The big screen adaptation of the stage phenomenon is set to take audiences by storm when it’s released later this month and is already capturing the majority of critics hearts.

It was clear that fans were also keen to embrace the movie, as well as to catch a glimpse of some of their favourite stars. Aside from Streep, who plays Donna in the movie, and Hanks (who executive produces), there were also appearances by former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper (of The History Boys fame).

Abba legends Bjorn Ulvaeus, Frida Reuss and Benny Andersson were also in attendance, as their songs helped to inspire the movie, as were global producer Judy Craymer and director Phyllida Lloyd.

Earlier in the day, at a number of press interviews, the stars of the film had spoken about their fear of singing and how working together to overcome such trepidation had helped to form such a close bond between them, which shines through in the film.

Brosnan admitted that the only reason he had agreed to appear on the film was being given the opportunity to appear alongside Meryl Streep and he subsequently paid tribute to one of the key moments in the film, when she sings Winner Takes It All, as magical.

All of the celebrities hung out with fans and signed autographs, while some appreciative members of the crowd presented their idol, Streep, with a bunch of flowers.

Mamma Mia: The Movie is in cinemas from July 10, 2008.

View photos from the London premiere or the Greek photocall or the movie itself

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