14 March 2026.
Betty Samis – All About Entertainment Reviewer /
There are tribute shows… and then there are shows that make you feel like you’ve stepped straight back into the era itself. ABBA Gold – Arrival 50 Years by Adelaide favourites Flaming Sambucas is firmly the latter.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s iconic Arrival album and their legendary Australian tour, this production at the Regal Theatre is more than just a tribute concert – it’s a joyful, nostalgic celebration of one of the most loved pop catalogues of all time.
The show opened with When I Kissed the Teacher, as the performers made their way through the theatre from the back, instantly igniting the audience who erupted with excitement. From that moment, it was clear you were in the hands of seasoned performers. The harmonies are rich and full, the sound is immaculate, and the band delivers ABBA’s music with an authenticity that feels both polished and heartfelt. At times I genuinely felt like I was watching ABBA themselves.
A huge part of that magic comes from the two leading ladies. Katrina (Frida) and Anna (Agnetha) are outstanding. They don’t simply sing the songs – they embody the spirit of ABBA. Their voices blend beautifully in that distinctive ABBA harmony that fans instantly recognise, moving effortlessly between soaring leads and perfectly balanced harmonies.
Katrina brings a confident stage presence and rich vocal tone that captures Frida’s strength and warmth, while Anna delivers Agnetha’s clear, emotional style with ease. Watching them perform together, you can see how naturally they connect on stage. Their chemistry, choreography and interaction mirror the dynamic that made the original duo so captivating.
Visually, they are just as impressive. The costumes sparkle with that unmistakable 70s ABBA glamour, and every detail, from the styling to the movement, helps recreate the era. But what truly stands out is the way their voices lock together during the big chorus moments. Those goosebump harmonies are a hallmark of ABBA’s music, and the two lead performers capture them beautifully, enhanced by the rich backing vocals from the rest of the band.
Behind them, a large video backdrop synchronises beautifully with the performance, adding visual storytelling that enhances the music without distracting from it.
The show is led by Adelaide music stalwart Terry Nicholas, whose decades of experience shine through in every detail of the production. The storytelling woven between the songs gives the show a warm narrative thread, including a delightful moment when an audience member shared photos and a story of meeting Björn and Benny – a reminder of just how deeply ABBA’s music connects with people.
The band performs songs from the Arrival album including favourites like Why Did It Have To Be Me, Knowing Me, Knowing You and My Love, My Life, before launching into a countdown of ABBA’s greatest hits. By the end of the show the entire theatre is on its feet, singing, dancing and smiling. It’s impossible to sit still.
What makes the night even more special is the mix of generations in the audience. People who grew up with ABBA in the 70s were singing every word, while younger fans were dancing just as enthusiastically due to their popularity with re-released hits. That’s the power of these songs, they simply never age.
As someone who grew up in the 70s, ABBA’s music has always been part of my life. My best friend and I used to pretend we were Frida and Agnetha, singing into hairbrushes and dreaming of those sparkling stage costumes. I even had a jumpsuit inspired by theirs. Little did I know that decades later I would end up performing for audiences myself as an entertainer, while still loving everything about ABBA’s music. Few musical partnerships in history have created songs that continue to resonate across generations the way ABBA’s music does.
Over the years I’ve seen Mamma Mia! the musical, the films, and even flew to London to see Mamma Mia! The Party, yet these songs never lose their magic.
Having seen many ABBA productions over the years, what impressed me most about ABBA Gold – Arrival 50 Years, is the exceptional quality of this production. The musicianship, staging, vocals and storytelling make it feel truly world-class.
My only regret is that I didn’t see this show sooner.
If The Flaming Sambucas bring this production back next Fringe, do yourself a favour and grab a ticket.
You won’t be able to sit still.
