Formed in Melbourne, Bjorn Again has been touring Australia and the world with the music of ABBA since 1989, and its members slip into character as easily as they change costumes.
Ash, who has played Benny for 20 years and speaks fluent Swenglish, said the return to live music after two years of shutdowns during the pandemic had been extraordinary and the band were on track to do about 80 shows this year.
“It’s like there’s an even greater sense of excitement and energy for people to engage and be part of the show and to really have a great night out,” he said.
“I’d encourage people to dress up, to invite their friends and make it a group night out. It’s such a fun, festive atmosphere at our shows, and they should expect the unexpected as well.”
Jodie, who plays Agnetha – also known as “the blonde one” – said audiences were incredibly receptive.
“They absolutely love ABBA, who doesn’t?” she said.
“Even the husbands who get dragged along are Dancing Queens by the end. They can look very resistant at first, but by the end, they’re singing all the words to all the songs.
“Everyone gets involved. I’ve never seen anyone have a bad time at one of our concerts.”
Ash-Benny said the key to Bjorn Again’s success and longevity was their determination to deliver an amazing family- friendly show.
It also helps that the world, and Australians in particular, love the “exquisitely composed and arranged songs” of ABBA.
“I don’t know if Bjorn and Benny received the credit as a songwriting duo that they probably deserve,” he said.
“For me, they are up there with John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The other thing is the unique combination of two girls and two boys and the kitsch outfits and their lovely, innocent personalities at the time had that X-factor that captured the Australian public’s imagination.”
Bjorn Again will appear at the Swan Hill Town Hall Performing Arts and Conference Centre on Friday, September 2.
