Super troupers deliver a stunning tribute

Bjorn Again, St David’s Hall, Cardiff

It’s Monday night, a day of the week not normally associated with throwing a party. However, it’s no doubt true to say that St David’s Hall has not seen many Monday nights like this.

The world’s number-one Abba tribute band, Bjorn Again, are in town and flamboyance is very much the dress code for the evening.

Everywhere you look there are women (and it’s mainly the ladies) dressed in sequinned jumpsuits, some topped with a spangly cape and a knitted hat.

And let’s not forget the wigs. So many wigs. You’d have to say there are slightly more Agnethas than Fridas, and a distinct lack of Benny and Bjorns.

With the chances of the Swedish originals re-forming for a comeback tour slim to zero, then this enduring parody that originated in Australia in 1988, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, is the nearest thing you will ever get to watching Abba in concert.

The band are met with such ferocious glee, you wonder at the state of rampant euphoria that would be generated if Abba actually did coax themselves out of retirement.

With a set list of songs that have woven themselves into the fabric of people’s lives, this was a superlative set of greatest hits delivered with a dollop of panache and no little humour.

Launching into Waterloo, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, Super Trouper, Honey and Knowing Me, Knowing You, the cavalcade of familiar standards provokes a mass singalong.

In fact, there are so many middle-aged women in a state of delirium it’s akin to a giant hen party.

This is not always a faithful reproduction, however, and there are great moments of hilarity when the band add a rap segment or apply a rock makeover amid the self-deprecating Scandicharm.

Dancing Queen and Thank You For The Music bring the show to a crescendo - and you can only marvel at what you’ve witnessed.

■ David Owens