By Nicole Rees-Williams
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Upon discovering that an ABBA tribute band were visiting Cardiff I jumped at the opportunity to attend. Being still slightly obsessed with this summerÔÇÖs blockbuster hit ÔÇÿMamma Mia: Here We Go Again,ÔÇÖ my minute previous knowledge of all things ABBA has grown, as has my love for their songs.
However, upon my research I found that Bjorn Again are not your typical ÔÇÿtribute bandÔÇÖ. They formed in 1988, achieving a cult status among ABBA fans worldwide. They have toured with the likes of Cher and Shania Twain, the performance I attended being the opening night of their 30th anniversary tour.
What better way, then, to open the show than with a rendition of the song that started it all, ÔÇÿWaterlooÔÇÖ? The crowd, majority aged 35 or above but with a few youngsters dotted here and there were extremely responsive to the act. Many were dressed head to toe in some of ABBAÔÇÖs most iconic looks whilst copying the classic 70ÔÇÖs and 80ÔÇÖs dance moves incorporated by the vocalists.
The stage design wasnÔÇÖt the primary focus of the show, yet when the first few chords of ÔÇÿFernandoÔÇÖ were played they made use of spotlights shining at disco ball. This had a beautiful effect on the hall and created the ÔÇÿdiscoÔÇÖ atmosphere that the production had, before, been lacking.
Despite its effective opening, the first half of the show wasnÔÇÖt promising. After performing a couple of upbeat hits such as ÔÇÿGimme, Gimme, GimmeÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿSuper TrouperÔÇÖ the crowd noticeably quietened down when they sung their rendition of lesser known songs such as ÔÇÿHoney, HoneyÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿSo Long.ÔÇÖ
There was a lot of attempt at audience interaction, but it was noticeable that the script had not been decided beforehand. This often resulted with them speaking over each other and making slightly awkward jokes that went amiss with the audience.
Aside from the bumpy start, the show redeemed itself just before the interval when they sung ABBAÔÇÖs chart topping hit, ÔÇÿSOS,ÔÇÖ which incorporated an innovative medley with The PoliceÔÇÖs ÔÇÿSOSÔÇÖ.
The second half of the show was prominently more enjoyable as it incorporated an abundance of memorable, high tempo classics such as ÔÇÿDoes Your Mother Know,ÔÇÖ ÔÇÿMamma Mia,ÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿVoulez Vous.ÔÇÖ The two male vocalists also spiced up the show by performing their own ÔÇÿrock and rollÔÇÖ version of ÔÇÿJumpÔÇÖ by Van Halen.
Before the end, of course, the band returned for an encore. The entire crowd was chanting ÔÇÿDancing Queen,ÔÇÖ yet the pianist humorously began playing the introductory notes to ÔÇÿThe Winner Takes It AllÔÇÖ before admitting he was joking, and the music to ÔÇÿDancing QueenÔÇÖ finally echoed around the hall.
The crowd never stopped dancing in the second half, reinforcing the prominent and ever-lasting effect of ABBAÔÇÖs music, 38 years after their last public appearance together. Although slightly corny at times, Bjorn Again was ultimately a very enjoyable show that brought together people of all ages. Whether youÔÇÖre a fan of the original band, the musicals, or the films youÔÇÖre certain to have a night to remember and are guaranteed to leave humming along to disco classics for the remainder of your week.