Unspecified/General

ABBA Arena is a purpose-built concert venue in the Stratford district of east London, constructed specifically to host ABBA Voyage, a groundbreaking show in which the Swedish pop group appear as digital avatars, affectionately nicknamed ABBA-tars, performing alongside a live band. Opened in 2022, the demountable structure was designed to be the largest of its kind, seating several thousand spectators, and represents one of the most ambitious uses of motion-capture and projection technology in live entertainment. The four members of the band were filmed performing their songs and digitally rejuvenated to appear as they did in the 1970s, and the resulting lifelike avatars are presented on a vast stage using advanced visual effects developed by a leading special-effects studio, creating the uncanny impression that the group are present in person. The show pairs these performances with elaborate lighting, a real ten-piece band and a carefully sequenced selection of the group's greatest hits, drawing audiences across generations. Built on a temporary site near the Olympic Park, the arena is well served by public transport and has proved a commercial and critical success, extending its run repeatedly. The combination of beloved music, nostalgia and cutting-edge technology has made it one of the most talked-about live experiences in the capital. Tickets are sold for fixed performance times and can be booked online in advance, and the spectacle appeals to long-standing fans and curious newcomers alike throughout the year across every season of the calendar. The project was overseen by the surviving members of the group, who took part in the motion-capture sessions, lending the avatars an authenticity grounded in their own movements and performances. Around the main hall, food, drink and a dedicated bar themed on the group complete the experience, and the show has been credited with introducing the band's music to a new generation while satisfying long-standing devotees. Its success has prompted speculation about similar productions for other artists, but for now it stands as a pioneering example of how technology can recreate a live concert experience long after the original performers have stepped away from the stage.

Type: Theater / Concert Hall

Address: 1 Pudding Mill Lane, London, United Kingdom

Website: https://abbavoyage.com/

Opening Date: 26/05/2022