Abba Magic, Pier Theatre, Bournemouth

THE wind was howling and the waves were crashing fiercely beneath us but the Pier Theatre seemed enveloped in the warm glow of sunshine.

Such is the "magic" of Abba's music that the feel-good factor it delivers just seems to grow stronger and stronger.

The scenes of Abba-mania that we have been seeing in cinemas everywhere with the release of the Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth record-breaking film Mamma Mia, came to the once jaded Pier Theatre.

Fans from children to grand parents were dancing in the aisles and those who weren't were singing, clapping, waving their arms in the air and having fun.

After 11 years on the road (equalling the length of time that Abba were together!) this tribute concert has been polished to perfection with its live band and vocals that are absolutely spot on. Replica costumes of those worn by Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Frida and the tightly choreographed dance moves helped make this feel like the real thing.

Surprisingly the support act that played 70s disco covers felt very dated and only served to emphasise just how timeless Abba's music is.

The show opened with Waterloo - the Eurovision victory that set the ball rolling in 1974 - and included the 17 top ten hits such as SOS, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Chiquitta, Super trouper, The Winner takes it All etc.

As ever it concluded with Thank You for the Music - and a standing ovation from the crowd.

The party was over all too soon it seemed- but there is one last chance to do it all again next Sunday.