The following interview is from the official ABBA fan club magazine, and was first published in 2003
BARBARA DICKSON PLAYS A GAME OF CHESS!
Barbara Dickson, musical actress, sang the role of Svetlana on the original "Chess" album and in 1985, together with Elaine Paige, reached #1 in the UK charts with "I Know Him So Well". It sold over a million copies! An accomplished actress, Barbara is still as busy as ever and 2003 sees more
live concerts, new recordings and also some TV drama. Vaughan Davies managed to catch up with her to discuss her involvement with Benny and Bjorn.
Your first big hit was in 1976 - the year that ABBA had huge success in the UK - and you were both signed to the same record company, Epic. Did your paths ever cross?
No, not even TV appearances. We didn't meet until I attended a CBS conference held in Bournemouth in September 1980. I chatted with Benny about piano playing, as I still played.
How did you become involved in the "Chess" project?
Through Tim Rice. He sent me a cassette tape for approval.
Why did you not take Svetlana to the West End stage?
It was only one song.
At the recording of "Chess" in Stockholm did you travel across much?
Only the once to record the music.
Engineer Michael Tretow commented that working with Elaine Paige was not the most enjoyable time he experienced in the studio, as she was often very demanding. Would you agree? Did you both get along?
We get on very well.
Can you expand at all? Do you still keep in touch with Elaine?
Yes, I do
"Chess" produced enough material for three albums, but for commercial reasons it was reduced to a double. What is on that third album?
I don't know. Not even any song titles.
Any involvement from you in the hidden vaults then?
No.
"Chess" was revamped recently, and opened in Stockholm last February.
Yes, I was aware there had been a makeover but I have not seen the new script yet.
Last year on tour you sang a Benny and Bjorn composition. What was it called?
"When The Wall Comes Tumbling Down", which I mentioned on the BBC Radio 2 programme "Thank You For The Music" tribute to Bjorn and Benny.
"I Know Him So Well" sold over a million copies in the UK. Did you think it would be such a big hit?
We had no idea. I do sing the song at my concerts, treating it as a solo effort.
If "Chess" returned to the West End, would you be interested in playing Svetlana?
No, I would not want to be included.
Last year there was talk that Benny and Bjorn had written some new material for you and Elaine to record. Will it ever surface?
Unfortunately no. It's very sad!
Will it ever see the light of day?
No comment.
Do you think "Chess" was the turning point for Benny and Bjorn's work to finally be taken seriously?
Possibly the public realised their potential.
Have you seen "Mamma Mia"?
Yes.
What are your plans for 2003?
Recording, live concerts, and hopefully some TV drama!
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