Abba Voyage – Live Review – ABBA Arena, London
By Kirsty Masterman, May 2026
Abba Voyage has long been on my list of things to do. But, like a lot of things, something always seemed to get in the way.
I knew it would be a fabulous night of music and dancing, so when my long-time friend expressed her desire to see the show, the decision was made. The Dancing Queen herself made for the perfect plus one for this outing.
Situated at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London, this is the only place in the world where you can see ABBA Voyage. As a result, it is a venue that has seen over 3 million visitors dance through its doors since it first opened back in May 2022.
Designed specifically for this show and its dancing queens, this purpose-built arena is designed to optimise the connection between the audience and the performers. The 291 speakers, state-of-the-art acoustics and over 500 moving lights, all mapped to 30,000 points in the arena, help make this immersive live concert what it is. The venue itself is smaller than I anticipated, with a 3000 capacity, but this is a welcome surprise, as it allows the audience to envelop the stage and become a part of the experience.
It also allows for plenty of room to show off your dance moves. From seated viewing to the dance floor itself, the design allows for a range of experiences. There are even dance booths for those wanting the ultimate experience. But whichever way you choose to party the night away, one thing is for sure, it will be memorable.
We enter the arena to a room full of colour. Brightly lit lasers and lights dance through the air, threatening to beam us up, super trooper style. I feel like we have boarded a spaceship rather than entered a concert hall. It really is an assault on the senses.
“Crowd pleasers”
Despite arriving just as the show is about to start, we still manage to secure a prime dancing spot.
As the lights dim and the lasers continue to dance around the arena, the thrill of anticipation can be felt amongst the audience as we wait to hear the first beats of those familiar songs.
Several seconds later and the avatars (that have been affectionately nicknamed ABBAtars) of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad burst on to the stage.
It took an 850-strong team months to immortalise the Swedish superstars into state-of-the-art digital form. Created in collaboration with visual effects masters, Industrial Light & Magic – the brains behind Marvel Cinematic, the end result truly needs to be seen to be believed.
Despite Abba being ever so slightly before my time, I like to think I am pretty familiar with their music, thanks to the Mamma Mia films which have been a staple in our household for many years. Despite this, I was little apprehensive as to whether they would feature as much as I hoped or whether they would just be peppered amongst their vast back catalogue of hits that I wasn’t as familiar with. So, when Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Frida take to the stage with ‘The Visitors’ and ‘Hole in Your Sole’, I start to question whether this is the gig for me.
However, two songs in and the familiar notes of ‘SOS’ are music to my ears. Now we’re talking! From here on in, the audience are on their feet, waving and clapping their hands and bustin’ whatever moves they are feelin’ as the crowd pleasers come thick and fast. Even the slower tunes such as ‘Chiquitita’ keep the audience on their feet. ‘Fernando’, ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Does Your Mother Know’ keep the energy high and it is at this point, I make the decision that I will definitely be returning with my 11-year-old daughter. She would be in her element here – music, dancing and the amazing lights.
It’s not long before I forget I’m actually watching avatars of an era that I was only just born into. It is far more immersive than I thought it would be and has me mesmerised throughout the entire performance.
If I was front row, I feel like I would be able to reach out and touch them. Every detail has been expertly captured. From the shimmering costumes to the subtle gestures. Nothing has been left out to create the authenticity.
“Electric”
The audience are certainly engaged, any disbelief suspended as they cheer and respond to whatever words are spoken and sung by the ABBAtars, swept up in the illusion that ABBA themselves have returned to the stage and we’ve all been transported back to the 1970s.
The songs, backed by a 10-strong live band ensure that while the band may be virtual, the musical energy remains real and immediate and that for me, makes it feel like a ‘proper’ concert.
We’re halfway into the spectacular when ‘ABBA’ take a break as they head off stage for a costume change with ‘Eagle’ left to play out as an anime video. This is where, for me, it got a little confusing. This part of the show seemed to go on for quite a while, and I found it more of an unnecessary time filler than anything else.
But, as the Swedish superstars return to the stage with songs including, ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’, ‘Voulez-Vous’, ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Waterloo’, all is forgiven and by the time ‘The Winner Takes It All’ hits its crescendo, the energy in the room is electric.
ABBA Voyage is more than just a concert. It is a bold re-imagining of what live performances can be in the digital age. It represents a significant shift in how artists might approach live performance in the future and opens up possibilities for artists who can no longer tour, allowing them to connect with audiences in new ways and giving us, the audience, hope of seeing artists we never thought possible.
By embracing innovation with their legacy, ABBA have created a unique experience that appeals to both longtime fans and new generations, proving that their music continues to resonate across audiences today as it did back in the 70s.
I’m pretty sure, it’s safe to say, that when the band won Eurovision back in 1974 they never in their wildest dreams thought that 50 years on, they would still be selling out arenas, let alone in this format.
As we leave the arena, slightly emotional from the experience, the music continues to play around us and remains with us for many days after.
ABBA. We thank you for the music. Douze points!
ABBA Voyage is now booking until August 2026.
Ticket options include seated, dancefloor/standing and are priced from £38.50.
For all information go to abbavoyage.com
Kirsty travelled from Manchester Picadilly to London Euston with Avanti West Coast, where prices start at £33.50.
avantiwestcoast.co.uk
images: Johan Persson
