joyride

Nominate “Joyride – The Musical” for BroadwayWorld’s Sweden Awards 2025!

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BroadwayWorld is the largest theatre site on the internet, covering Broadway, the West End and beyond to 100 US cities, 45 countries and in 12 languages worldwide. With over six million monthly visitors, BroadwayWorld delivers complete up-to-the-minute Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional theatre news.

Nomination period for their 2025 Sweden Awards is now open! You can nominate your favourites HERE! In 2024, Joyride was nominated in 11 categories and won 9 of them! Category 12 was Favourite Local Theatre where Joyride was played and Malmö Opera was a winner.

The 2025 Regional Awards honor productions which had their first performance between October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. BroadwayWorld’s editors have set the categories and now YOU get to nominate and vote for your favourites! Nominations are reader-submitted and will be open through October 31.

After the nomination period ends, BroadwayWorld’s editors will proof the list for eligibility and errors, then voting will begin in early November and run through December 31. Winners will be announced in January 2026.

The categories in which the Stockholm version of Joyride – The Musical (and China Teatern) can in any way be nominated are the following:

  • Best Choreography Of A Play Or Musical
  • Best Costume Design Of A Play Or Musical
  • Best Direction Of A Musical
  • Best Ensemble
  • Best Lighting Design Of A Play Or Musical
  • Best Music Direction & Orchestra Performance
  • Best Musical
  • Best Performer In A Musical
  • Best Scenic Design Of A Play Or Musical
  • Best Sound Design Of A Play Or Musical
  • Best Supporting Performer In A Musical
  • Favourite Local Theatre

As a little help, check out the cast and creatives of Joyride – The Musical and nominate HERE!

Cast

Lucas Krüger – Joe
Jessica Marberger – Stephanie
Emilie Evbäck – Katie
Hanna Hedlund – Meredith
Anton Lundqvist – Gary
Pia Ternström – Natasha
Donald Högberg – John
Edda Pekkari – Stella
Saga Rapo – Stella
Tara Perovic – Stella
Olle Roberg – Ensemble + Michael + US Joey + US Gary
Ulrika Ånäs – Ensemble + US Stephanie
Alvaro Estrella – Ensemble + US Michael
Alexandra Fors – Ensemble + US Katie
Kitty Chan Schlyter – Ensemble / US Natasha
Linda Holmgren – Ensemble + US Meredith
Niklas Löjdmark Chressman – Ensemble + US John + 2 cover Gary
Marcus Elander – Ensemble/dance captain
Emmie Asplund – Ensemble/swing
Hampus Engstrand – Ensemble/swing
Mateo Cordova Pomo – Ensemble
Felicia Loveflo Lindström – Ensemble
Oliver Gramenius – Ensemble
Emilia Berglind – Ensemble
Olivia Kungsman – Ensemble

Creative team

Producer: Nanette Hayes, 2Entertain
Executive Producer: Bosse Andersson, 2Entertain
Co-Producer: Vicky von der Lancken
Director: Guy Unsworth
Co-director: Johanna Hybinette
Swedish translation: Calle Norlén
Choreography: Jennie Widegren, Miles Hoare
Set design: David Woodhead
Lighting design: Palle Palmé
Sound design: Oskar Johansson
Costume design: Torbjörn Bergström
Mask & wig design: Sara Klänge
Musical supervisor: Joakim Hallin
Conductor / keyboards: Erik Brag Månsson
Bass: Mats “Limpan” Lindberg
Electric guitar / acoustic guitar: Magnus Bengtsson
Drums: Magnus Fritz
Keyboards: Jan Radesjö
Guitar: Nicklas Thelin
Cello: Andreas Lavotha
Cello: Tove Törngren
Cello: Emma Beskow
Violin: Karin Liljenberg
Violin: Kristina Ebbersten
Violin: Oscar Treitler
Technical Coordinator: Ted Silvergren

Produced by 2Entertain & Vicky Nöjesproduktion
Producer: Nanette Hayes
Executive Producer: Bosse Andersson
Co-producer: Vicky von der Lancken
Project Leader: Simon Pettersson and Jenny Gerdén
Company Manager & Production Manager: Nina Hammarklev
Marketing & sales: Sofia Ekskog and Sandra Wester
Finance: Linda Dahlberg
Ticket Manager: Elisabeth Johansson

Original and rights

Based on the songs of Roxette and the novel Got You Back by Jane Fallon

MUSIC AND LYRICS by Per Gessle
ORIGINAL BOOK by Klas Abrahamsson
NEW BOOK by Guy Unsworth
ORIGINAL DIRECTOR Guy Unsworth
MUSICAL SUPERVISOR Joakim Hallin
ORIGINAL PRODUCER Malmö Opera, Sweden

PUBLISHER / AGENCY Nordiska ApS / Jimmy Fun Music

“Joyride – The Musical” returns to Malmö in 2026!

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Joyride – The Musical had its world premiere in Malmö on 6th September 2024 and celebrated Roxette’s music with 84 sold-out shows. On April 27th 2025, after the last Malmö performance, it was announced that one of Malmö Opera’s biggest audience successes ever would return in 2026.

Joyride is currently dressing China Teatern in Stockholm for success. The show premiered on 11th September 2025 and with 60 performances in 2025 and 32 additional shows in 2026 it runs in the Swedish capital until 1st March.

Then comes a 7-month “break” for Swedes and another Malmö premiere is due on 2nd October 2026. You can rejoin the Joyride until 7th March 2027. Tickets go on sale on 24th October!

Creatives and cast

MUSIC AND LYRICS by Per Gessle
ORIGINAL BOOK by Klas Abrahamsson
NEW BOOK by Guy Unsworth
BASED ON THE NOVEL “GOT YOU BACK” by Jane Fallon
MUSICAL SUPERVISOR Joakim Hallin
ARRANGEMENT, ORCHESTRATION & SUPPLEMENTARY MUSIC Joakim Hallin
ORCHESTRATION Clarence Öfwerman & Christoffer Lundquist

Swedish translation Tor Billgren
Editing Swedish dialogues for the stage Johanna Hybinette

Conductor Joakim Hallin
Director Guy Unsworth
Set design David Woodhead
Costume & mask design Torbjörn Bergström
Lighting design Ulrik Gad
Sound design Avgoustos Psillas
Choreography Miles Hoare

Stephanie Jenny Holmgren (Alexandra Fors – understudy)
Katie Caroline Gustafsson
Meredith Anna-Maria Hallgarn (Linda Holmgren – understudy)
John Reuben Sallmander (Erik Gullbransson – understudy)
Natasha Sofia Jung (Leila Jung – understudy)
Gary Oscar Pierrou Lindén (Rasmus Mononen – understudy)
Michael Hani Arrabi (Erik Espinoza – understudy)

[Joe and Stella are not yet announced. /PP]

Ensemble

Alexandra Fors
Christel Nilsen
David Auxoilte
Erik Gullbransson
Erik Espinoza
Hani Arrabi
Hanna Carlbrand
Josef Calistas Svensson
Leila Jung
Linda Holmgren
Marcus Elander
Michael Jansson
Rasmus Mononen
Roberta Næss-Schmidt

Swing

Emma Mellroth
Emmie Asplund
Kajsa Petersson
Tommy Englund

Photos by Patrícia Peres

Per Gessle on SVT about “Joyride – The Musical” in Stockholm

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Per Gessle and Hanna Hedlund were guests on Morgonstudion, SVT. The program leaders ask Per how he is doing. Mr. G says he feels great, but a bit jet-lagged after Australia.

The program leaders inform that Joyride – The Musical moves from Malmö to Stockholm in autumn and they are curious how it feels for Per. Mr. G says it feels fantastic. It has been a tremendous success down in Malmö with 84 sold-out performances and it will be absolutely wonderful in Stockholm. It will be a bit different to Malmö, because in Malmö there is a special round stage and China Teatern in Stockholm is a different type of theatre. It’s going to be exciting.

Turning to Hanna, the program leaders ask her about how this musical came into her life. Hanna says she went to auditions. She was thirteen when the Look Sharp! album was released and she really wanted to get the role, because it’s a part of her in a way and her upbringing in the songs. She also says that it’s really a dream role for her. For someone her age, there aren’t that many musical roles like this. It’s a funny, crazy, wacky, annoying and wonderful character that she is going to play. The program leaders say it’s hard to imagine how crazy it must be to have a relationship like this with Roxette and then to stand on stage and do this. Hanna confirms it and she admits she is a little starstruck today, sitting next to Per.

The guys talk about the base book of the musical, Got You Back, written by Jane Fallon. Per explains she is an English author who in Sweden, is best known for being the partner of Ricky Gervais. She is a very talented writer and this book is magically good. They have been working on the idea of a Roxette musical for many, many years. But it always failed because the scripts simply didn’t work. When this book came into sight, it turned out that it was possible to make a musical out of it. They are grateful for that.

To the question how many songs fit in, Per replies it’s probably 25, 27, 28 songs. When he is asked if he has a favourite Roxette song, Per replies it’s The Look. Hanna says there are so many great songs, but Listen To Your Heart is really a favourite for her.

Here they show some footage from the rehearsals, so you can hear how Hanna sings LTYH. She has listened to this one so much. It’s her youth. You were never more in love than you were then and never more heartbroken than then. There is a lot of emotion in that song, she thinks.

For Per, it’s a magical song. Marie sang it and her vocals made this song really big. It was recorded in 1988 before they broke through. The break-through was in 1989. Back then they said, now we’re going to make a production that’s as American as it can be. And it eventually became No. 1 in the US. It’s fantastic.

Per is also a co-producer of the musical in Stockholm. The program leaders are curious how much he will be involved. PG says he will get involved when needed, but he trusts those who can do it better than him. He is mostly a producer to show that he cares and it’s important for him that it turns out well, so he would really like to be involved.

Hanna says she plays a character who helps the main character in her career. She is an annoying lady, but also lovely. Hanna went to see the musical at Malmö Opera and she says that you stand up at the end and just want to dance. It’s really, really good. It feels luxurious to have been able to see it. She is proud to be in the next production of the musical.

The program leaders ask Per about the Roxette tour in South Africa and Australia. Here they show a short footage where Lina Philipsson sings It Must Have Been Love. The reception was absolutely magical. It’s just like it was in the old days. People sing along. Per says that the Roxette audience is very active. They want to sing, sing, sing and they let them do it. Lena has done a fantastic job. It’s a tough situation for her, to put herself into Marie’s shoes, but she does it magically well. She does it in her own way. And that’s what makes it so good. She is such an enormously talented front person.

The program leaders are curious how the audience accepted her. Per says they love her. They are singing along. It’s two fantastic hours. Per has to pinch his arm every now and then that this is happening. It’s awesome.

To the question if it brings back a lot of memories when they are out there again Per replies that of course it does. They are playing the classic Roxette catalogue. There are 24-25 songs from the past. So of course you are talking about old memories backstage after the show. But when you are performing the songs, you are thinking ahead. You are there and then. You are not digging up the old stuff right away. It’s great fun to do this. It’s the classic Roxette band and we have Lena and a new drummer.

They are doing a pretty big European tour this summer. And then they will see if there is a continuation later.

With the musical, the ambition is of course to take it abroad as well, so Per hopes it goes further.

Hanna says they have just started the whole process for Stockholm. There is a new translation in the works which they haven’t read yet. Rehearsals start in July.

The program leaders ask Hanna if she is nervous to do this in a good way so that Per is happy. Hanna says she is not nervous, she has been given the trust and got the role. So it should work. They have six weeks of rehearsal time and that’s needed for it to land in a proper place.

Stills are from the morning show.

Per Gessle about the Roxette musical in Expressen – ”Marie is sitting there on your shoulder. Her whole being, her spirit is there.”

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Expressen met Per Gessle in what was once EMI Studios in Skärmarbrink. This is where Roxette’s first three albums were recorded, and on the now bare facade, the alert eye can catch a commemorative plaque engraved with the simple lines: “In memoriam Marie Fredriksson”.

On press day for Joyride – The Musical that premieres on 11th September at China Teatern in Stockholm, Maria Brander from Expressen talked to Per about the show. Before the get down to the hot topic, Expressen informs that Per is in the middle of a Roxette tour with Lena Philipsson, and has a 25-hour journey home from Melbourne behind him.

The time difference means that you get one day twice.

Expressen asks him if that is how he prolongs his life. Per answers:

Or shorten it, hahaha.

Regarding the musical in Stockholm, Mr. G says that the biggest thing is that it’s a completely different type of venue. Then it’s a different translation.

We thought there were some awesome things in the original book that didn’t really come across in the Swedish one, so we made a new version.

In addition to this, there is a largely new ensemble including Hanna Hedlund who was also on spot in the studio. She says:

My background is musicals, and I often get asked what my dream role is. But you have realized that you may be too old for some of them, and then suddenly a dream role appears that you didn’t know was coming.

She will sing one of her favourite songs, Listen To Your Heart.

Per turns to Hanna and says:

It’s a great role, the coolest in the musical, and it will be great with you.

Mr. G was not involved in the audition part, even though he can now call himself a co-producer.

It’s actually a way for me to show that I care. I really want to be part of Joyride – The Musical’s journey around the world, because I hope it will reach outside of Sweden.

To the question how many times he has seen the production in Malmö, Per replies:

Four, five times, and it’s been good all the way through. But it’s been a long process over many years that has led to “Joyride”. Before we ended up in Malmö, there was an English production company that wanted to put on a musical. They made one with eight songs just for me and Marie. She was still with us at the time. I was struck by how well they fit into this format, the choreography and gestures. Then I stopped it anyway, because I didn’t like the script. It was too depressing, and it was a depressing time, because Marie was sick. At the same time, it didn’t really suit Roxette either.

To the question if Per can feel that Marie is still with him in this musical, he replies:

Yes, it’s her and my journey, and the legacy from it is being carried forward. It’s the same with my tour with Lena. Marie is sitting there on your shoulder the whole time. You can’t get away from that. And all of us who work with this – actors, singers, choreographers – we talk a lot about Marie: “Marie would have liked this. These clothes are so typical of Marie”. So her whole being, her spirit is there.

Expressen is curious if Per feels that the memories have been strengthened now during his and Lena’s Roxette tour.

No, when you play live you look forward, not back. Lena and I didn’t even have a rehearsal before we stood on stage together for the first time in front of 10,000 people in Cape Town. Anything can happen, and you have to learn along the way. For us, there was a huge difference between the first and now eleventh gig, in how relaxed we were.

Earlier Per said said that musicals are not really his area of interest.

No. How can I put it without stepping on some toes now? There’s a kind of manner in the musical world where you sing nicely and cleanly. I myself come from a different tradition, where it’s a lot about personality instead. But in Malmö we’ve gone around it a lot with different types of singers, and it will be the same in Stockholm.

Maria thinks Per seems careful and she wants to know if Per’s word is law in the production.

No, my whole career has been built on being careful, as you say. But I have also put a lot of focus on finding collaborators. I could never have written all these songs for Roxette if Marie hadn’t had the capacity to sing them. I also needed a producer like Clarence Öfwerman. It’s the same with the musical. I need help, but in my life I have succeeded in finding good people and long-term relationships. Whether it’s my business manager, my record label or my wife.

Per says Åsa thinks that the musical is fantastic. She has also seen it five times.

Yes, damn it. I’m not allowed to see it myself. Haha.

PG about what Jane Fallon, who wrote the book, thinks:

Both she and her husband Ricky (Gervais) were at the premiere in Malmö. He was quite serious as a person, but proud to be next to Jane. I have met her several times at meetings in London, and she has been super positive since day one.

To the question what he feels when he sees the musical, Per replies:

I feel proud. That it works, and that the audience stays and sings along. You are reminded of the power of these songs. To get a response from an audience, it is magical.

Stills are from the video included in the original article.

Joyride – the Roxette musical is coming to Stockholm

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After having sold out at Malmö Opera, Joyride – The Musical is finally coming to Stockholm.

The hit musical, which premieres at China Teatern on 11th September, is this time co-produced by Per Gessle himself, while the music now has a more intimate band feel in the original Roxette style.

Per says:

I have really been completely knocked out by the response to Joyride – The Musical in Malmö. Sold out for more than six months and an absolutely fantastic atmosphere inside the theatre. Now it’s time for a brand new production in Stockholm at the lovely China Teatern. It will be magical.

Listen To Your Heart, It Must Have Been Love, The Look, Dangerous, Dressed for Success… Everyone has a relationship to the classics that made Roxette a multi-million-selling global phenomenon in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

These songs also form the basis for the equally energetic, grand and inventive performance Joyride – The Musical, which will have its Stockholm premiere at the China Theatre on 11th September.

The musical, based on the successful English author Jane Fallon’s relationship comedy Got You Back, is handled in Stockholm by partly new creators and in a different production than in Malmö where it had its world premiere and was a great success. Among other things, adjustments are being made to both the script and translation, the latter by Calle Norlén. The choreography is by Jennie Widegren (Bounce) and Miles Hoare. In addition, Per Gessle himself is now stepping in as co-producer.

Organizer and musical director Joakim Hallin says:

It is exciting to see how well Roxette’s pop songs fit into the telling of this rather dramatic story. We have fewer musicians than in Malmö and that means we will work very dynamically with a tight Roxette band sound, but without losing the majesty of songs like “Listen To Your Heart” and “It Must Have Been Love”.

Joyride – The Musical serves both as a nostalgia trip for the part of the audience that grew up with these songs and an introduction to Roxette’s music for a new generation that is curious about one of Sweden’s greatest music export successes ever. Inspired by Roxette’s iconic music videos and a consistently ’90s aesthetic, the acclaimed star director Guy Unsworth, co-director Johanna Hybinette and award-winning set designer David Woodhead are building a completely unique world for this love triangle drama that takes place in London. The plot revolves around Stephanie and Katie, who both have a relationship with Joe, whose double life the women eventually get fed up with – with various complications and intrigues as a result.

The ensemble consists of Lucas Krüger (Joe), Emilie Evbäck (Katie), Jessica Marberger (Stephanie), Anton Lundqvist (Gary), Pia Ternström (Natasha) and Hanna Hedlund (Meredith).

Per says:

It’s fantastic to follow this journey. There are so many incredible people involved from all sides. A gigantic amount of talent is gathered around the same goal. For me, it’s mostly been about daring to let go of control over the material a little and trust those who can do this. It’s a whole new chapter for me.

SOME OF THE ENSEMBLE ABOUT ROXETTE

Hanna Hedlund: I was 13 when “Listen To Your Heart” came out. Right in puberty, so for me that song is associated with great love and great heartache. That song was as big as all the emotions you felt.

Emmie Asplund: I remember when I was 6-7 years old, I snuck into my older sister’s room and borrowed the CD “Joyride” – I loved it. Since then, Marie Fredriksson has been an inspiration, with her fantastic voice and cool image.

Jessica Marberger: Roxette is a soundtrack to so many people’s, and generations’, lives. Of course, for Per Gessle’s unique ability to compose melodious pop songs.

Olle Roberg: Even though “Fading Like A Flower” was released in the early ’90s, the bombastic drums and electric guitars of the ’80s still live on in this song. The verse in minor leads so well into the chorus’ major, the choruses are snappy and there’s a key rise – what more could you ask for?

Linda Holmgren: Really good music is immortal. Good music and good lyrics are touching and last to be played over and over again for years and also to be rearranged and performed in new contexts – and Roxette’s music has shown that it is just that.

Marcus Elander: For me, their music or many of their songs are timeless, which is very unique and cool.

Kitty Chan Schlyter: Strong melodies are energetic anthems. You can’t defend yourself and have to sing along or sway along. Then Marie’s voice was the crowning glory and made the song catalogue something out of the ordinary.

Lucas Krüger: A song that has recently become a favorite is “Queen Of Rain”. It has both sensitivity and power, and a unique sound that touches. I’m really looking forward to singing it!

Oliver Gramenius: I think some music has a kind of nerve at its core, a nerve that is not about trends or genres. It’s just there and it will touch people throughout time. Roxette has that nerve.

Emilie Evbäck: They are so incredibly good at capturing a specific feeling with each song that I think everyone can relate to. And then they were always one hundred percent themselves without following trends too much, which I think is a key to being timeless.

Ulrika Ånäs: Roxette was played a lot during my childhood. I had many moments in front of the mirror when I mimed to Marie’s amazing voice.

Hampus Engstrand: The songs stick in your head right away. Very catchy.

Olivia Kungsman: My parents listened to Roxette when I was little so I recognize a lot of their music from my childhood.

Alexandra Fors: I remember when I was a kid watching the movie Pretty Woman and hearing “It Must Have Been Love” and thinking it was so cool that a Swedish band had made it!

Pia Ternström: The music is both timeless and emotional, has strong hooks and a distinct and recognizable, raw Roxette sound. I think that a good cocktail of their enormous global impact, the power of nostalgia, catchy melodies and the eternally relevant themes of love, longing and passion means that both old and new generations continue to listen to Roxette. It’s impossible not to sing along.

The show is produced by 2Entertain, Vicky Nöjesproduktion, Elevator Entertainment and Live Nation. The show will be played at China Teatern in Stockholm between 11th September and 20th December 2025. Tickets will be released on Showtic on 31st March.

Photos by Christoffer Bendixen