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We went to Stockholm not expecting anything simply a cold day outside the Cirkus Theatre a long wait and then the chance to see any members of ABBA who turned up for the Stockholm Premiere of Mamma Mia. When we arrived at The Cirkus it must have been around 1.00pm and the temperature was around -10C. I was surprised at the fact that there weren't that many people around. Having been to the Fifth Anniversary performance at The Prince Edward the previous years I expected many more fans. The atmosphere was calm and there were a few comings and goings and the fixing of the red carpet.
I asked the security guards early on in the proceedings if I could have a picture opportunity with Gorel Hanser whom I had spoken with off and on by mail over many years. They agreed to let me in. Once the picture was taken I was direct and asked if there were any spare tickets I was only looking for 4!! I thought not a chance but she said she would see what she could do and asked where I was standing.
As the the premiere approached Benny turned up and ran into a back door avoiding fans as much as he could. He returned through the same door and hurriedly left in a large 4X4. As the guests arrived the first members of ABBA to arrive were Benny and Bjorn together. Benny accompanied his son Ludvig they both assisted Mona into the theatre who was in crutches. Bjorn spent quite a bit of time signing autographs and posing for pictures. Lena was wonderful she went around the crowd taking various pieces of memorabilia from people and giving them to Bjorn to sign.
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A number of people started screaming hailing the arrival of Frida who took a lot of time to pose for photographs and sign autographs. It must have been 10 minutes after Frida had entered and various ABBA associated personalities had gone into the theatre there was what only be described as hysterical screams, hailed the arrival of Agnetha. She was escorted down the red carpet by security but smiled and waved to the crowd in a very relaxed fashion and was gone within seconds.
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The next moment I was approached by a very large intimidating security guard who said that someone wanted me at the ticket office. I went in and I was given 4 tickets.We walked down the red carpet overjoyed at the fact we were going to be in the same theatre as ABBA after all these years
Blind with excitement I entered the theatre and checked where I was sitting and as I turned I bumped gently into a women, by divine intervention it was Frida. I asked for a picture opportunity which she agreed to and took the picture and then shook her hand. As I took my seat I could see Agnetha about 20 metres away from me she was calm and composed. Throughout the performance which was excellent if not a little bizarre as all the familiar ABBA hits were sung in Swedish, I had my eye on Agnetha and Frida and from what I could see they were both enjoying the performance as was the rest of the theatre.
The encore was thrilling as I could see both Agnetha singing and clapping to Dancing Queen! The presentation of flowers and speeches from Benny and Bjorn was swift and they were off the stage within seconds. The audience clapped for perhaps 5 or more minutes hoping for all four members of ABBA to appear on stage! It wasn't to be!
Leaving the theatre it had begun to snow and this for me ended a magical experience that I certainly did not expect!!
I spent another 8 days in Stockholm after that. With all ABBA fans gone, naturally I wanted to visit Mono Music and as I approached the front door out walked Benny to walk his dog a photo opportunity and autographs were given. he was very charming and in reality an ordinary man doing his days work he chatted about the weather and wished us a pleasant holiday in Stockholm.
I could not have asked for more.
Stephen
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