Nearly every screening at the 275-seat Hollywood Plaza in North Marine Road has sold out and fans have been queueing for tickets.

Matinee performances have attracted up to 200 people and evening performances have been so busy that some fans had to be turned away.

General manager Andrew Nesbit said: “It’s a definite crowd pleaser. It’s been really good to see so many people coming to the cinema. We expected it to be busy but we’ve been overwhelmed by its success.

“People coming to see the film have ranged from kids to OAPs and everyone has enjoyed it. The atmosphere has been more like that of a live show with people singing and dancing along.”

Mamma Mia! will run at the Hollywood Plaza until Thursday and will move to the Futurist for the rest of the summer season.

The hit musical-turned-film includes 22 Abba hits and tells of a young woman embarking on a quest to discover the identity of her father on the eve of her wedding. It was filmed on the Greek islands of Skiathos and Skopelos.

The stage show has opened in 130 cities around the globe since making its debut in London in 1999, grossing a staggering $1.6 billion in the process.

l Movie buffs are invited to an exclusive screening of the new Batman (cert 12A) film at the Hollywood Plaza on Wednesday.

Only 100 cinemas in the country have been granted permission to show a special advance screening of the film. Tickets cost £10 which includes a limited edition 3D poster. Places are limited and pre-booking is essential – call the box office on (01723) 374500.