Mark Thomas - Bjorn
Mark is a highly experienced musician who started playing at the age of ten, around the same time as Abba's Eurovision success (1974). He studied drums (his first instrument) with a local music teacher in Swansea, South Wales, and was soon working in his first band, playing the clubs and bars at the tender age of 12. At 16 Mark was playing with a band which secured a record contract, giving him his first taste of living and playing in London.
Moving to London broadened his musical experiences and allowed him to perform at prestigious venues, including the London Palladium and the Royal Festival Hall.
However, much of his time was spent elsewhere, as performances have taken him all over the world playing in countries including Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Luxembourg, Spain, Greece, the Balearics, the Canaries, Singapore, the USA, South Africa, Kenya, Oman, Bahrain, Bulgaria and the Ukrane.
Mark has performed on stage with the likes of Paul Young, Oleta Adams, Alexander O’Neal, Dudley Moore, The Foundations, The New Seekers, Hot Chocolate, Alvin Stardust, The Troggs, Freddie Starr and more, having both National and International radio and television appearances under his belt.
Mark has been performing as Bjorn for a number of years, playing 18 weeks in London ’s West End . He has also had the opportunity to travel the world including Germany , Austria , France and most recently playing to audiences in Venezuela , South America.
Mark hopes you enjoy the recreation of Abba’s live concert.
Carley Broom - Agnetha
Carley started performing at the age of 15 as a singer and her talents have taken her all over the world touring with various bands and shows ranging from musicals and jazz festivals to heavy rock.
In the UK Carley has toured with the National Youth Orchestra as lead vocalist, performing in venues nationwide, including Ronnie Scotts and the Jazz Café.
Carley understudied both Agnetha and Anni-Frid on the European tour and is now delighted to be playing Agnetha, and has just returned from performing in Caracas , Venezuela , South America .
When Carley is not performing with Abbamania she is often in the studio writing her own original material, along with being a fully qualified music teacher.
Lydia Griffiths - Anni-Frid (Frida)
Internationally renowned singer Lydia Griffiths was the series winner of ITV’s ‘Big Big Talent Show’ hosted by Jonathan Ross, following which she was invited to perform for the Queen and Prince Phillip on ‘The Royal Variety Show’.
Since then, Lydia has made numerous appearances on television and radio shows throughout the UK including ‘Children In Need’, BBC, ‘Just Up Your Street’, BBC, ‘Noson Lawen’, S4C and ‘The Mike Doyle Show’, HTV. Lydia has worked extensively with the BBC; one of her most exciting engagements was with the BBC concert orchestra when she appeared on ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ for Radio 2. Lydia has also just finished filming for a new BBC2 sitcom ‘Empty’, which will air in early 2008.
In 2001, Lydia achieved her life long ambition when she was cast in the London production on Cameron Mackintosh’s ‘Les Miserables’ and went on to take over the lead role of Cosette. Other theatre credits include ‘Napoleon’ (Shaftesbury Theatre, London), ‘PRAVDA’ (Birmingham Rep), ‘Musical Magic’ (UK Tour), Sally Bowles in ‘Cabaret’ (Chester Gateway), Gerda in 'The Snow Queen' (Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham), Carrie Pipperidge in ‘Carousel’ (Chichester) and most recently played Dorothy in the RSC’s version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ alongside Matthew Kelly, Russ Abbot, Gregor Fisher and Gary Wilmot (Mayflower, Southampton).
Lydia’s concert and cabaret work takes her all over the world, performing in arena’s and concert halls, on ships and in theatres. In the last few years, she has shared the stage with Glenn Close, Roger Moore, Cliff Richard and Michael Ball in venues such as The Royal Albert Hall and Karlstad Arena, Sweden and has been accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and The Band of the Royal Life Guards.
Gareth Kedward - Benny
Gareth Kedward started classical piano lessons at the age of eight after his parents bought an old upright piano for the front room.
As well as studying the music of the classical composers he developed a great love of jazz, both big band and the more contemporary sounds of Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea.
After leaving school he toured with various groups and stage productions while also writing and performing original material both at home and abroad.
Recent collaborations have included teaming up with Jefferson Starship keyboard player Chris Smith performing with the Temptations and the Supremes, as well as playing on various studio and recording sessions.
“I was really pleased to be asked to perform the part of Benny with the stage production Abbamania. Although I get to play some of the finest popular music ever composed it was really the chance of wearing a wig that clinched it for me.”