Jarvis Cocker is today announced as the narrator for ABBA: Super Troupers, the brand new, immersive exhibition opening at London’s Southbank Centre on Thursday 14 December. The exhibition recreates the extraordinary rise to worldwide fame and lasting legacy of ABBA (Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad), set against the shifting socio-economic and political conditions of the time.
Image: ABBA supertroupers Tobjorn Calvero Premium Rockshot
Transforming a traditional exhibition experience, immersive guided tours include an audio narrative voiced by Jarvis Cocker and written by journalist and documentary maker Jude Rogers. Audiences are transported on a journey through previously unseen archive material including ABBA’s original costumes, handwritten notes and sketches, personal photographs, music and instruments, plus album artwork, photography and film by notable collaborators such as film director Lasse Hallström. Theatrical backdrops recreate some of the most significant events from their heyday – including the Brighton hotel room where ABBA celebrated their Eurovision win, the Polar music studio and a 1970s disco – and provide context to the evolution of their creative process and their enduring appeal, from the Mamma Mia! phenomenon to their multi-million record sales worldwide.
Jarvis Cocker, long-term performer and creative contributor at Southbank Centre including Meltdown festival in 2007, said:
“I love Abba. You love Abba. My love began when my sister bought “Arrival” in 1976 & played it non-stop for the next 6 months. What’s your story? Why don’t we meet down at the Southbank Centre to compare notes? I would love that….”
ABBA: Super Troupers builds on Southbank Centre’s legacy of immersive curated exhibition successes with The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl (2015-16) and Adventures in Moominland (2016-17). The exhibition will launch as part of Southbank Centre’s Wintertime and the final month of Nordic Matters – a year-long programme of Nordic arts and culture at Southbank Centre throughout 2017.
ABBA: Super Troupers 14 December 2017 – 29 April 2018, Spirit Level at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall For ages 7+. £25 £20 £15 www.southbankcentre.co.uk #ABBASuperTroupers
