Abba Reunion show heads to York and Billingham

FOLLOWING a four-month run in London’s West End, Strand Theatre in 2001 with successful international tours selling out theatres, stadiums and concert halls, The Abba Reunion Tribute Show is now on its 11th year on the road... and heading to York and Billingham.

Vikki Holland-Bowyer takes the part of Frida and is the real-life partner of the Benny in the show (Greg Stevenson).

It mirrors one of the two relationships that made up the chart-topping phenomenon in the 1970s and 1980s – but with one crucial difference.

“When I get off stage I’ve finished with Frida and I’m me,” says Vikki. “It may seem a strange job to some people, but I’ve been doing Frida for 15 years – that’s longer than the original was in Abba – and I was Agnetha before that in another tribute band.”

When the show was formed, Vikki’s boyfriend was recruited to the band, which performs as a six-piece with bass and drums, at the same time. “I suggested that he became Benny. He’s a fantastic pianist and he was fully behind my idea to make it authentic. We’re actors as well as musicians so we all have to make sure we’re doing our parts as best we can,” says Vikki.

She is also part of the 80s Mania Theatre Show, a tribute to 25 different acts of that decade, and School Reunion, which performs at corporate events.

“There will be botox soon, and then I reckon I’ve another few years before putting someone else in,” Vikki says.

Box Office: York Opera House, Wednesday, November 30. 0844-871-3024 or atgtickets.com/shows/abba-reunion-the-tribute-show/grand-opera-house-york/

Billingham Forum Theatre, Friday, December 16, 80's Mania. 01642 552663 or forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk