GLASGOW culture chiefs today signed a multi-million pound deal to stage the world's most popular musical.

An incredible 86,000 people are expected to flock to the Clyde Auditiorum to catch Abba smash hit Mamma Mia when it comes to the city in April next year.

The show will play for four weeks, injecting millions into Glasgow's economy.

It is the first time a musical has been staged at the popular concert venue and the first time Mamma Mia has come to Glasgow.

It's a massive boost for tourism in the city and the culmination of months of talks by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and show executives.

Theatre fans are viewing it as a major victory for Glasgow as Edinburgh has, until now, always been Scotland's musicals capital.

Retiring Councillor Alex Mosson, chairman of the marketing bureau said today: "We are absolutely delighted to have secured this show for Glasgow. It shows the diversity of the events we are bringing to Glasgow these days. We are now very much a leading player on the world stage when it comes to hosting major events.

"It's not just for tourists though. It's for Glaswegians too. There's nothing Glasgow likes more than a good singsong and we know there will be massive interest in this show."

Mamma Mia, based on the hits of Swedish group Abba, has been seen by 30 million people globally and is now set to get city crowds dancing in the aisles.

The show, set on a Greek island, tells the story of a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father on the eve of her wedding, through the songs of Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus.

A film based on the show and starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan will be made in London this summer.

But it is not due to be released until November 2008.

Brosnan, best known for playing super spy James Bond, said he agreed to be in the film right away because it meant working with acting legend and two-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep.

He said: "What a kick in the pants to be able to go off with Meryl to some Greek island and sing Abba songs."

Tickets for the Clyde Auditorium show are now on sale.

Call 0870 272 4444 or visit www.secctickets.com