These days, you never seem to be too far from a production centred around Swedish supergroup ABBA. The Mamma Mia musical and movie franchise, tribute bands, exhibitions & museums, dining experiences and now even the popular cutting-edge technology of ABBA Voyage.

However, maybe writer and performer Ian Hallard has found a gap in the market with his new play ‘The Way Old Friends Do’. You’d have to be a real superfan to know this title is a lesser-known ABBA song but by the end of this production, you’ll know more about the band than ever. It’s littered with facts, references and puns all to do with the 1974 Eurovision winners.

The plot is a little ordinary. Peter (played by the writer Hallard himself) is the biggest ABBA fan of all and has worshipped the group since a child. A reunion with his old school friend Edward, played comically by James Bradshaw, ends in a seemingly ridiculous suggestion – an ABBA tribute group with a difference. The men will be played by women and the women will be played by men. They hire the help of a timid and nervous Jodie (Rose Shalloo) & a prim and proper Mrs Campbell (Sara Crowe) and with the assistance of Stage Manager Sally (Donna Berlin), the troupe is ready.

The story gradually journeys through men’s friendship, homophobia and relationships, with nods to diversity and bullying too. Mark Gatiss’, probably best known to most as one of the League of Gentlemen, directs a slick and polished production with a high energy and fast pace throughout. You can tell Hallard must be a true fan of ABBA from his detailed script and his performance as Peter is real and natural throughout. He’s the centre point of the production in more ways than one. There’s a strong supporting performance from Andrew Horton as a dominant and compelling Christian but it’s Sara Crowe as the somewhat old-fashioned Mrs Campbell who gets most of the laughs and has the audience in the palm of her hands. Her impeccable comic timing and dry delivery is wonderful to watch & she rinses every line for the comedy it is worth. Rose Shalloo as Jodie also delivers a good comic performance but it’s a shame a lot of her lines are lost through lack of clarity.

The show opens with a voice over from the late, great Paul O’Grady. He has such a recognisable voice that the whole auditorium can’t help but release an outpouring of emotion as soon as he speaks. Miriam Margolyes’ voice also features and Ben Harrison’s strong sound design fits perfectly with the piece. Credit must go to Janet Bird for her brilliant ABBA induced set design which revolves to an ever-changing location. Bird also designed the costumes which are as bright & colourful as you’d expect and want.

Overall, it’s quick scenes and constant change of locations has the feel of a television comedy show but some great comic lines tied nicely with a deep undercurrent make this modern, warm production an entertaining night out. Brighton is the perfect venue and audience for such a theme but touring to prestigious theatres such as Sheffield, Salford and Birmingham, as well as a month-long run at the Park Theatre in London, I’m sure will also be well received. It’s a super trouper of a show!