ESC2016: guys and dolls…

Another lovely day in Stockholm on Wednesday, and thankfully rather cooler than when we arrived. After a busy couple of days there was a slower pace as the first dress rehearsal for the second semi-final was later in the day (5pm). So, a bit of a mooch about the city and a few touristy things to do before then.

Any Abba fans visiting the city will surely make the pilgrimage to the Abba museum. As a huge fan myself, I can highly recommend it – I visited it last year. It’s lots of fun, with many interactive things to: you can record your Abba vocals in the recording studio; you can perform with an Abba hologram; and most excitedly, you can wait to see if the telephone in the museum will Ring, Ring. No, seriously! When you first enter Abbaworld you will be immersed in the sights and sounds of Abba with a huge screen projecting this fantastic montage…

https://youtu.be/b1oE2Ojkv5Q

It’s an unmissable trip for any Abba fan. Given that I’ve been before there was a new draw this time, with the display of a range of Eurovision memorabilia, so for those of you visiting this weekend, this is double your pleasure, double you fun.

Last year I told you that there could be no higher accolade than to be immortalised in the annals of Eurovision history than by being captured as a Lego figure. Well, at Abbaworld there is another marker of pop culture perfection… a display of Eurovision acts that have been immortalised as a Barbie/Ken doll. Such a lot of fun, and drawing a lot of interest. Can you spot you favourites here?

The Swedish winners…

Bucks Fizz and Jedward…

Conchita…

It’s a genius idea! If you’re in the city this weekend, go check them out! The Conchita doll looks like Rylan Clarke!

Whilst out and about in town testerday I saw the countdown clock. The now familiar dandelion motif looks quite impressive…

Later in the day, it was time to head to the Globe arena for the first dress rehearsal of the second semi-final. There is an entertaining opening act involving our all-singing all-dancing hosts, Måns and Petra…

Once again their lively banter should amuse you. Ten out of ten for effort, that’s for sure.

Later today (Thursday) I will report back on all the performances ahead of the broadcast tonight (BB4 at 8pm in the UK). What was good about the rehearsal yesterday was that I saw the UK’s Joe and Jake perform for the first time. They have adapted well to the Eurovision stage, and their delivery is still confident and full of energy. The backdrop features selfies that were sent in by the UK public, and it is really quite effective.

The guys are riding high with the bookies, with them now just shy of the top ten favourites. All rather promising, and seemingly rather popular here in Stockholm.

So, I’ll be back later today with a review of the second semi-final… 😀