Throughout the 1970s Swedish pop group, ABBA, took the world by storm. From catapulting to fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest, they produced countless hits that are still just as popular today as they were when they were first released. Over the years there have been countless ABBA tribute acts, movies and a Broadway hit musical built around ABBA’s unforgettable music. At this year’s Adelaide Fringe, Dancing Queen The ABBA Tribute Show premieres with a sell-out season. 

Dancing Queen The ABBA Tribute Show is full of cheese, and it wears this with pride. The jokes are plentiful (the puns to segue between songs had me laughing out loud) and the banter with the audience is excellent. Split into two halves with entree served before the first half and mains during the intermission, this show is perfectly structured. It keeps the dialogue to a minimum so the focus is on ABBA’s memorable music. 

This interactive theatre could also be named inclusive theatre. There were a number of people in the audience with disabilities, but the cast treated everyone with kindness and equality. On top of this, there was never any forced interactions with the audience. The cast were very respectful of those who did not wish to interact, instead interacting with people who were open to it.

The first half saw our talented cast donned in more sequins than the dance fabric aisle at Spotlight, performing hits such as Waterloo, Money Money Money, Knowing me Knowing You and Fernando. 

The second half, complete with outfits made famous from the cover of Arrival, is where the party started. It wasn’t long before the dance floor was full as hits like Does Your Mother Know, Ring Ring, The Winner Takes It All, Super Trouper, and I Do I Do I Do I Do I Do were pumped out. Before we knew it, the night was over and we were left saying Thank You For The Music as we danced out of the venue – but not before the encore of Thank You For the Music, Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia.

The staff at the Adelaide Royal Coach were exceptional. I’ve seen several shows at the venue over the past few years and they know how to make sure you are welcomed and catered for. The two course meal included in the ticket price was delicious.

The exceptional cast featured Ian Andrew as Björn Ulvaeus (guitars and vocals), Jon Harris-Black as Benny Andersson (keys and vocals), Eilannin Harris-Black as Agnetha Fältskog and Sarah Glynne as Anni-Frid Lyngstad. These four fine performers bounced off each other brilliantly and their vocal harmonies were excellent. It was only a few bars into their opening song and it was clear they had the audience in the palm of their hands. 

Dancing Queen The ABBA Tribute Show is a two-hour celebration of the music that defined an era. For those who were lucky to snap up a ticket to this year’s Fringe season, you are in for a great night. Their short run at this year’s Fringe is entirely sold out. Here’s hoping this show returns in 2027!