The Source: ABBA Voyage promoters want Victorian government to stump up for virtual show

After talk a deal was dead, Melbourne is “still in the game” for ABBA Voyage. But promoters are said to be asking the Victorian government to stump up to stage the virtual concert.

the ABBA Voyage show features digital avatars of the group as it was in 1979. Picture: Getty

Putting the squeeze on Victoria’s movers, shakers and headline makers.

Powerbrokers from ABBA Voyage will visit Melbourne this month to progress talks about staging ABBA’s spectacular 3D virtual concert in Australia.

“There is no doubt Australia is a prime market for ABBA Voyage,” an insider told The Source.

“Melbourne is still in the game, and a deal is still on the table.”

Insiders said “key people” from the “ABBA Voyage management team” will soon visit Melbourne to try to reach a deal on the critically acclaimed hologram show.

But insiders added: “Will they visit other cities? Maybe.”

Sources said Victoria was “not alone” in trying to lure ABBA Voyage Down Under.

Promoters have reportedly asked the Victorian government to provide up to a third of the estimated $100m cost to host ABBA Voyage in Melbourne.

The hi-tech production would also require a purpose-built 3000-seat venue.

If Melbourne locked in the show, it would be the first city outside London to stage it. Picture: Supplied

Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Showgrounds and Docklands have been mooted as potential locations for the show.

But insiders said “other options … closer to the city” are also being discussed.

Victorian Chamber of ­Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra has urged stakeholders to make the deal happen.

“The state has a unique opportunity to land another major event that will deliver significant economic, social and reputational returns all year round,” Mr Guerra said.

“We should do everything we can to secure ABBA Voyage as we know ABBA is very keen to land their unique attraction in Melbourne.

“It will be another huge tourism and hospitality boost for our state.”

ABBA Voyage opened in London in May 2022 and, according to box office figures, sold more than 1.5 million tickets in its first 15 months.

The British production, to be staged in East London until 2026, reportedly turns over $3m a week.

ABBA Voyage chief executive and executive producer Michael Bolingbroke visited Melbourne earlier this year to meet with promoters TEG Dainty, Visit Victoria and state government officials.

If Melbourne locks in ABBA Voyage, it would be the first city in the world, outside London, to stage the Swedish supergroup spectacular.

The concert features digital avatars of ABBA superstars Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, depicting the group as they appeared in 1979.

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