I went to see ABBA Voyage and this is what I thought

So, for those like me who had twiddled their thumbs for over a year before taking a chance on the hit band’s ‘ABBAtar technology’, is it worth it?

The answer is yes, it is a mind-blowing experience that borders on a spiritual encounter.

In the words of ABBA: “The emotional connection between stage and auditorium is so moving and it is as though everyone can feel how much of ourselves we’ve infused in the four on stage.”

The ABBA band members – Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad – brought the 1979 versions of themselves alive with the help of motion capture suits.

Their ABBAtars were joined onstage by a live band and subtle visual effects to blend a big screen experience that’s audaciously authentic.

The 90-minute show is as much of an event as it is a concert.

Over the course of the runtime the ABBAtar’s perform 20 of their greatest hits in showstopping fashion.

The only criticism of ABBA Voyage is that the band have so many memorable songs that someone is bound to be disappointed that their personal favourite might not have made the cut – an issue that would still exist even if the performance ran for an extra hour.

READ MORE: Summer Sessions to take place in Guildhall Square next June

Though if the criticism of the show is that the band have too many hit songs to encapsulate a back catalogue of nine albums, then they must have done something right!

What’s striking about ABBA Voyage is the wide variety of audience members it attracts.

Young, old, overseas, ABBA’s audience demographic continues to have a far-reaching impact.

As the band state in their programme notes: “If you look around the auditorium, you will see people of all ages and that’s a marvellous thing.

“To have generations enjoying our music together is perhaps the most rewarding thing we could ever have wished for.”

Audience members are prohibited from taking pictures or video of the performance but it adds to the communal experience and keeps the best kept secrets alive.

The location of the arena – next to Pudding Mill Lane tube station and a 10-minute walk from Westfield shopping centre – is perfect for those making a flying visit and for others who might want to extend their stay.

And if you do, you could do a lot worse than the Hyatt Regency London Stratford.

Situated at the heart of Westfield shopping centre, the four-star hotel offers a five-star service with staff on hand to cater to every need in a warm and friendly manner.

ABBA Voyage is the most complete musical experience any fan could hope for.