ABBA fans in Exeter have chance to see UK's number one tribute act

THE UK'S official number one ABBA tribute band are heading to Tiverton Golf Club, Devon, in April.

ABBA Revival won the accolade at the recent National Tribute Awards, hosted by The Agents' Association.

Their show at the golf club on Friday 4 April sold out within two weeks in January.

The quick sell-out prompted the club to book a second date with the same band on Thursday 3 April (7pm), which is open to everyone.

The shows, which are being sponsored by Angel Guest House in Tiverton, will coincide with the 40th anniversary of the release of ABBA's second studio album, Waterloo, and the Swedish super group's victory in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest.

ABBA Revival will be reeling off timeless pop and dancefloor classics including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and Take a Chance on Me.

Jim Bray, social committee chairman at the golf club, said: “We didn't want to book just any ABBA tribute act – we wanted the best.

“We were delighted that the Friday show sold out so quickly and were keen to arrange a second date to give more people the opportunity to experience ABBA Revival.

“We look forward to showing the people of Tiverton what a great venue we have, and that we have so much more to offer than one of the best golf courses in Devon.”

ABBA Revival have sold out prestigious venues in the UK, Europe and the Middle East for over seven years and their client list includes Liverpool and Manchester United football clubs, the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, British Embassy, Disneyland Resort Paris and the Hilton and Marriott hotel groups.

The band, based in Doncaster, overcame competition from 33 other ABBA acts to take victory at the National Tribute Awards.

John Reilly, who plays Benny Andersson, said: “We were thrilled and very proud to receive the award, particularly in view of the fact Revival are in such a high-profile category with such high-quality competition.”

John's wife Lisa, who takes to the stage as Anni-Frid Lyngstad, said: “It's not just a case of singing the songs. We have to become ABBA.

“Every line of every song, every nuance of each verse and chorus is ingrained in the audience subconscious and we don't have any margin for error.

“I think that makes us nervous and puts us all on our toes before a show. It's a good way to summon up the energy to deliver a great performance.”

Nina Clarke, who performs as Agnetha Faltskog, said: “I have been listening to ABBA for as long as I can remember and used to act out dance routines and songs with my friends.

“The great thing is, the band are all passionate about ABBA music too and we love performing.

“I think that comes across and the audience gets a real buzz from it. We love what we do and hope it shows. We get such a kick when the audience is singing and dancing along!”

The band's line-up is completed by Marcus Tate as Bjorn Ulvaeus.

Tickets for the show at the golf club cost £10 and are available from the bar or by e-mailing Jim Bray at tgcsocial@hotmail.co.uk. Food will be available on the night.