ABBA Voyage, an innovative production featuring holograms of the Swedish pop stars, has announced its first “calmer concert” for neurodiverse and autistic audiences.
Scheduled for 25 April, the accessible concert was created in consultation with A Relaxed Company. There will be additional trained staff to provide assistance, as well as “chill out zones” around the venue.
Attendance for this show will be limited, and a sensory setlist showing what to expect from every song will be available. Also, guests can find out what to expect from the venue before their visit.
Katherine Usher and Chris Pike, co-founders of A Relaxed Company, said: “ABBA Voyage is a magical experience, and we are so glad that the team is holding the calmer concert so that everyone can experience it.
“We’ve been working with the whole team to ensure that the concert is ready to welcome everyone, whether you’re neurodivergent, sensory sensitive, or just looking for a calmer alternative.”
ABBA Voyage opened in May 2022 at the purpose-built ABBA Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The production has been a massive success, adding £322 million to London’s economy. Mayor Sadiq Khan said the show is “a powerful example of how culture has a positive impact on our city”.
Immersive production for everyone
“The show’s success is testament to the group’s enduring appeal and I hope it will continue to delight audiences and help enrich the local economy for years to come,” Khan added.
An innovative experience, ABBA Voyage uses cutting-edge technology to recreate Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid as digital avatars. These were developed by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a visual effects company founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas.
To become holograms, the group performed in motion capture suits, with cameras scanning their body movements and facial expressions.
ABBA Voyage is now booking until November 2024.
Lead image credit: Johan Persson
