I arrive to see Dancing Queen: A Tribute to ABBA as a bit of a sceptic. When ABBA hit the airwaves, I was in primary school. Our class was split into Team ABBA and Team Bay City Rollers (when I say split, there were only 10 of us, and only about six cared about pop music, so…)

I was Bay City Rollers all the way.

But you can’t deny the power of ABBA. They have lasted longer than BCR, had more hits, and inspired inter-generational dedication. All of that is quite clear tonight. The sequins, singing and high energy are dazzling, and that’s just the audience pre-show. It’s clear that people are here to Party, helped by a mix of excellent pre-show tunes I have to say.

My ‘date’ has cancelled late, so I sit alone, a little apprehensive that all this enthusiasm will lead to unspoken peer pressure to dance.

I am not sure of what to expect of this show, but the Showtime blurb tells me that this isn’t just a cover band; rather, a “full-scale concert production”. There are – naturally – four performers, who ‘act’ as the stars of ABBA – Agnetha, Frida, Benny and Bjorn. They are supported by small band of bass, drums, sax and keyboard (both performed by the same guy – his sax playing is amazing), and a female singer. It’s a tight crew and they provide superb support to ‘ABBA’.

In front of them tonight is a large, enthusiastic crowd and whilst there are many people born in the 60s, forget your stereotypes. There are people of every age and stage here, all of whom no doubt grew up with ABBA tunes – the original band, Muriel’s Wedding or Mama Mia the Musical. The appeal is wide, and the love and enthusiasm is clearly deep.

By song three (‘SOS’), people are up and dancing. The pressure is on. By the time ‘Dancing Queen’ comes on several tune later, the band is encouraging everyone to their feet, where they remain for most of the remaining show.

Nothing misses a beat, ever. The ‘band’ deliver a well-rehearsed, well-timed and well-delivered performance. I find the scripted performer patter a bit cheesy, but I try to remember that this is a show – it’s not an off-the-cuff performance – and, regardless, it works. The ABBA performers engage the audience from the first time they speak (in Swedish accents) and the audience responds loudly and enthusiastically. Even the guy running the lighting deck is getting into the vibe.

A simple set, with a drum kit on a raised rear centre stage, and mikes and ‘Benny’s’ white piano up front, leave space for the band to be literally centre stage. An AV screen provides a backdrop, featuring abstract AV effects a la the opening credits of Ready to Roll (another trip down nostalgia lane), while the lighting is colourful and focusses, naturally on the ‘band’. Of those, we all know the main stars are ‘Frida’ and ‘Agnetha’. Colourful spotlights, occasional intense and throbbing uplights, and disco ball effects all add to the party vibe.

The costumes are familiar from the key moments of ABBA’s life (white satin mini dresses, big sleeves, pantsuit and platforms) and the choreography is reminiscent of ABBA, the originals. It’s obvious that this group have done these routines many, many times. They are smooth with a capital S.

The crowd is here for a good time and are totally giving themselves over to the vibe of ‘ABBA’ being onstage, which is precisely the point of this show. It takes me back to being a kid when they were on the airwaves. I remember songs that I had forgotten, and lyrics that are locked deep in the archive of my mind that come tumbling out of my mouth, although I haven’t thought about them for years.

It also surprises me just how many absolute banger hits ABBA had, and I had honestly forgotten how much fun many of them were. I defy anyone surrounded by 1,000+ people singing ‘Dancing Queen’ not to feel the urge to perform a point and sweep move.

All the hits are here, and they are performed perfectly. ‘Agnetha’ and ‘Frida’ have incredible voices which do absolute justice to every song, and ‘Bjorn’ and ‘Benny’ are great frames to the women, as well as being authentically talented musicians.

Showtime NZ have got a winner here. These are consummate performers who bring the goods – a pop/rock production that delivers a joyous escape, as witnessed by the smiles that are everywhere as people sing and walk/sashay out.

And do I get up and dance?

Yes, I do. And you will too.

[What a shame Showtime has not provided credits for performers, musicians, director, choreographer and designers of costumes, set, lighting, etc. – ED]

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer