For my birthday last year, I went to see ABBA perform in London—only they weren’t physically there. Instead, they appeared as digital avatars, or “ABBAtars.” With phones banned and no idea what to expect, I was completely blown away by the experience.
ABBA has achieved something incredible. The show takes place in a custom-built venue near Stratford in East London that holds 3,000 people. While the venue is technically portable and could be moved elsewhere, it’s staying in the capital for now.
The production was recently extended through 2026 and just celebrated its third anniversary. To mark the occasion, the show added several new songs to the setlist—and I knew I had to return for a second visit.
I was curious to see which fan favourites had been added, and they didn’t disappoint. Hits like Super Trouper, Angeleyes, Take a Chance, and One of Us were all part of the experience—and I could easily list more.
For those unfamiliar with ABBA Voyage, the show uses advanced technology to recreate the band as they appeared in their prime. A team of 1,000 animators worked to digitally transform footage of the four members into lifelike avatars, all enhanced by a powerful surround sound system with 291 speakers and backed by a live 10-piece band.
Now, about the experience itself—having already seen the show once, I was familiar with the stunning avatars, which were so realistic they felt more vibrant than many live performers I’ve watched. But the biggest surprise came when they launched into Take a Chance on Me.
My jaw dropped when Take a Chance on Me started—it’s one of my all-time favorite ABBA feel-good tracks. And just as I was catching my breath, they launched into Money, Money, Money, setting off a wave of cheering and excitement. Sharing that moment with thousands of others was absolutely unforgettable.
Of course, classics like Waterloo, Dancing Queen, and The Winner Takes It All were still part of the setlist—thankfully untouched. The entire show runs for about an hour and a half, but honestly, I didn’t want it to end.
It’s a breathtaking blend of light, sound, and illusion that constantly blurs the line between what’s real and what’s not. Even if you’re not a die-hard ABBA fan, this is an experience everyone should have at least once. Seriously—go book your tickets.