ABBA star Bjorn Ulvaeus isn’t confident about the future of hit musical Mamma Mia!, which has played on London’s West End for over 20 years.
The jukebox musical is a longstanding hit and has spawned two hit movies and a live dinner experience show.
Speaking to the BBC, however, Bjorn admitted he’s unsure about the future of the production, as the coronavirus lockdown continues.
“It’s a difficult time now, because live entertainment is one of the sectors that’s been the hardest hit,” he said. “The actors are on furlough. We don’t know anything about when we can open again.
“It’s going to be very difficult because having an auditorium that is restricted to social distancing, that means it could be one-third full, perhaps, and people are spaced out all over the auditorium. And that’s not something which will enhance the experience, neither for the artists nor the audience.”
The Chiquitita star continued: “I’m quite pessimistic about the West End theatre and light entertainment.
“It will take a long, long time before people even dare to go out to sit beside other people, because 95% of the world’s population hasn’t been infected, and are they ready to sit beside someone who could be?
“Not in a long time, I think.”
The Swedish group was recently voted the band fans most want to reunite, racking up over 40% of the vote.
The band has new music in the works, teasing two new tracks – I Still Have Faith In You and Don’t Shut Me Down – which are expected to be released soon.
