Duncan Seaman

Holly Johnson, ABC and Heaven 17 delivered a warmly received triple bill of 1980s pop at Halifax’s Piece Hall before a 6,000-strong crowd. Heaven 17 provided an energetic opening, while ABC’s Martin Fry gradually won over the audience with songs from Lexicon of Love. Johnson commanded the evening with Frankie Goes to Hollywood classics and solo material, despite a weaker performance of Rage Hard, and closed with The Power of Love. The concert also highlighted Frankie’s historic association with gay-rights advocacy and Johnson’s opposition to contemporary political sabre-rattling.

ABBA Voyage remains a highly successful and emotionally affecting show four years after opening, with four million visitors having attended. The production combines lifelike digital avatars of ABBA with a live ten-piece band, sophisticated visuals and a refined set list that now includes songs such as “The Name of the Game,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “Money, Money, Money.” The live musicians and backing singers receive particular praise, while some audience interaction and extended animated sequences are considered less effective. Despite these minor flaws, the show’s technical achievement, energetic performances and classic songs—including “Waterloo,” “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All”—ensure that it still delivers a compelling experience.