Let's get things straight first. I'm head over heels for anything ABBA and I don't mean to brag… but I've been to a few tributes so I'd like to think I'm as good of an expert as you can get.
And Waterloo: A Tribute to Abba has all the glitz and nostalgic feels you could ask for. I went to see the show at Birmingham's Utilita Arena on Wednesday night (October 18) and left the venue with a huge smile on my face.
I thoroughly enjoyed dancing the night away under the blinding lights to some of Abba's greatest hits from their nearly five decade career.
Read more: Take That add even more 2024 tour dates including extra gig in Birmingham
Poll: Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?
Whether you are a diehard fan like myself or a casual listener, there are songs for everyone and in the Utilita Arena, there's no better place to share them! The lights came down and the classic intro of Mamma Mia started. Instantly the whole stadium rose to their feet, letting the good vibes sink in.
The classic four were accompanied by a very talented band who elevated the musical foursome more than I thought was possible.
The best number was absolutely So Long. The energy levels of the performers and the audience really made it the highlight of the show and the fact it was played directly after I Do put a smile on my face.
The fan favourites were easy to see. When I Have A Dream started the audience gasped audibly.
We let ourselves get swept away in The Name Of The Game and I've Been Waiting For You - which were performed as solos to let the individual singers shine.
Don't Shut Me Down was a controversial play. Though it is a good song which honourably includes the latest album Voyage, the show promo promised music from the golden days and I wouldn't class it as such.
After a brief interval, the second half started with a bang. Literally. It scared the life out of me. And in the second half, it seemed like the energy had noticeably picked up, they saved all the best songs, in my opinion, for last! Hits like Dancing Queen, Chiquita and Summer Night City got a great reaction from the audience.
Barring a few technical issues with sound and costume changes and the fact Waterloo was sung mostly from backstage - it was a really enjoyable show. And I must admit, one of the better tributes to Abba I've seen.
Waterloo: A Tribute to Abba are touring the UK and tickets are available for their shows in Cardiff, Liverpool, Leeds, Nottingham, Sheffield, Glasgow and Newcastle.
