Much ABBA-do at the SSE Arena!

FOR the super troupers and dancing queens of Much Ado Stage School in Castlederg, it doesn’t get much bigger.

Later this month, Arrival, the best-known ABBA tribute band, will perform alongside the Ulster Orchestra in the production of ‘The Music of ABBA’ at Belfast’s SSE Arena and the local stage school have been invited to partake in the production.

Arrival have appeared in hundreds of packed out shows in over 70 countries all across the globe

Featuring an 11-piece live band which will include original bass player for the band Mike Watson, who played on such tracks as ‘SOS’, ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘The Winner Takes It All’, the audience will be taken on a musical journey by Arrival and students of Much Ado, bringing hit after hit from the Swedish quartet to life for a captivated audience.

Speaking on behalf of Much Ado was Rois Kelly-Lynch, who was absolutely overjoyed at the school receiving this opportunity.

She said, “This is a great opportunity for the kids to get the chance to perform in the SSE Belfast. They are all so very excited to be singing with such an international group and the prestigious Ulster Orchestra.

“The kids involved come from our seven to 12 age groups and hail from Castlederg, Strabane, Victoria Bridge, Plumbridge and Sion Mills. They’re rehearsing constantly all the ABBA hits which they’ll be asked to sing on the night and are being put through their rigorous paces by local country singer and tutor Jamie Donnelly, herself a product of the group.

“I’m delighted to say it’s not just one show we will be performing at; for anyone who misses the SSE gig, it will also feature in Derry’s Millennium Forum the next night so there will be plenty of opportunity to come see our local talent on the big stage.”

‘The Music of ABBA’ at Belfast’s SSE Arena takes place on Saturday, February 17. Limited tickets remain available. Contact the venue for further information.