Abba Mania, The Real AbbA Gold, Grand Opera House, York - Friday September 29th 2000

I LIVED through the 70s ... and I mean really lived! So I find myself reliving the past at every opportunity that presents itself at the Grand Opera House like Abba Mania's splendid tongue-in-cheek look back at the hugely successful band, Abba. Although they were a '70s band Abba Mania has stayed throughout the years and appeals to a diverse range of ages from about five years old to 95 years young.

The show itself is performed by a troupe of ten, narrated throughout by flamboyant character Stretch Mulligan, quite obviously modelled on the character Cat from the Red Dwarf TV series who interacts with the adults in the audience with his risqué humour and wonderful suits.

The four band members transported us back through the years with all the Abba favourites: Dancing Queen, SOS, Mamma Mia, and thank You For The Music.

At one point they were joined on stage by children from the Kirkham Henry School of Dance who hold individual lights while singing I Have A Dream.

Although Abba are best remembered for being a four-piece band, the two guys, Bjorn and Benny also wrote and performed songs on their own, and it was good to be reminded of this usually forgotten fact with an outstanding rendition of Does Your Mother Know? from the boys.

Each of the girls sang their respective character songs and it didn't take long for the audience to join in.

The line-up is completed by four dancers dressed in near perfect retro clothing and a drummer.

Full marks go to the stage lighting crew who produced some superb stage effects and set off the numerous costume changes magnificently.

In the evening The Real AbbA Gold entertained a capacity crowd of 2,500 people with their renditions of the Swedish superstars' greatest hits.

The concert sold out before the evening began and more than 500 disappointed fans were turned away from the gates or box office outlets.

First half favourites included Dancing Queen, Take A Chance On Me and Money, Money, Money while the second half offered hits such as Voulez-Vous, SOS, Super Trouper and Winner Takes It All.

Special mention must be made to the singing of the ersatz Anni-Frid and Agnetha, while the fake Bjorn talked to the crowd in a compelling and humerous manner which added to the fantastic atmosphere of the evening.

Robbie Burns Promotions spokesman Julian Franks said: "The popularity of this year's Real AbbA Gold concert exceeded all expectations and we would like to thank people for supporting both evenings and making it a truly magical weekend.

Abbamania: Bristol Hippodrome, Tuesday 12th September 2000

After a successful one-night try out earlier this year the Abbamania team return for a week's run.

They certainly seemed to be on a winner. An audience ranging in age from seven to 70 lapped it all up as one hit number followed another until they were dancing in the aisles.

Abbamania: Liverpool Empire, Tuesday 5th September 2000

If theatre seats have secret springs beneath them, then they were well in use at the Liverpool Empire last night.

At regular moments throughout the show Abba Mania, sections of the audience appeared to be catapulted to their feet as one. By the end of the show, the master switch had been pulled and every one was up.

The Abba hit-making factory was pure gold and this show could run through hit after hit for nearly 2.5 hours without once repeating itself. Staged as a concert with occasional comic asides and audience encouragement by Kevin (Bjorn) Locke, it does what it says on the tin and provides a jolly good night out with plenty of action both on stage and off.

It ends with Waterloo with the band dressed in the Eurovision outfits worn by the original Abba and fireworks going off behind them. Even Terry Wogan might approve.

Abbamania: Palace Theatre, Manchester Wednesday 21st June 2000

If you haven't already succumbed to football mania ... AbbaMania awaits you.

Although Abba haven't performed together since 1982, their success has bred several tribute bands and one of the best is The Real AbbA Gold which has Jennie Fitzgerald as Frida, Jayne Ashley as Agnetha, Kevin Locke as Bjorn and Lindsay Elliott as Benny. If you close your eyes they do sound like the originals and there's certainly plenty of lycra and long hair around - and that's only the men.

The ecstatic audience gave standing ovations to a chain of hits and there was popular support from St Winifred's School youngsters. But be warned: AbbaMania is catching and grown men and women were last night seen singing and dancing in the aisles.

Click to read the full size review (select back in your browser to return to this page)