ABBA, one of the most successful pop groups of all time are back on stage with a revolutionary new concert that sees Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad performing digitally in their very own, purpose-built, ABBA Arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. Since opening in May 2022 to widespread critical acclaim, the concert has been seen by over one million visitors.
The 95min concert is directed by Baillie Walsh and produced by Svana Gisla and Ludvig Andersson, and sees ABBA re-imagined as 21st century pop stars, with choreography by Sir Wayne McGregor CBE and costumes designed by B Åkerlund in collaboration with designers Dolce & Gabbana, Manish Arora, Erevos Aether and Michael Schmidt. Alongside some of their greatest hits the concert includes songs from Voyage, the band’s first album in 40 years.
We got the privilege of being invited down to witness what is widely considered to be a must see showpiece. So, how did it stack up. The first thing that is incredibly telling is before you even enter the arena. It is very observable how incredible the pull of ABBA’s music over the generations has been. Showcasing a fantastic carnival atmosphere before the show commences, with a mix of 70’s and 80’s costumes on show.
The show combines a mix of lighting, CGI, and artistic cinematography, all which are absolute world class, and a fantastic choreographic masterclass. For 90 minutes, you are treated to the journey of ABBA through their iconic music. My only critic, is there were elements of the show, specifically around act 1, where i felt the band overpowered the artists. Although as the music journey continued, the sound was fluid and timed really well so that you were able to enjoy all elements, from the band, the artists, and the combined cinematography & lighting extravaganza.
The digital ABBA’s were created in collaboration with legendary vfx company, Industrial Light & Magic following weeks and months of motion-capture and performance techniques with the four band members and an 850-strong team from in what is the company’s first foray into music.
The concerts also feature a ten-piece live band that play live throughout the concert, along with cutting-edge lighting and audio technology.
The purpose-built ABBA Arena has capacity for 3,000 fans and houses 291 speakers, producing 870,000 watts of audio amplification throughout the concert and over 500 moving lights mapped to 30,000 points in the arena helping create an immersive live concert. London is the only destination you can see ABBA Voyage in the world.
Ticketing and availability
ABBA Voyage is now booking until 11th May 2025
Ticket options include seated, dancefloor/standing.
Tickets from £55
For all information go to abbavoyage.com.
How to get to the ABBA Arena
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Pudding Mill Lane (DLR) – 1min walk
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Stratford (London Underground/DLR/London Overground/National Rail) – 20min walk
