Hjalmar’s New Year’s Clash

Event type
Public & Destination

Client
Co-production: Bright Blue, Peter Flack and The Swedish Chamber Orchestra

Can slapstick comedy and high culture go hand-in-hand? Absolutely!

In the hilarious hit show “Hjalmar’s New Year’s Clash”, Sweden’s leading hillbilly character Hjalmar finds himself in a musical mayhem with the world-renowned Swedish Chamber Orchestra. In this clash of the titans the result was comedy and musical gold.

It was the unexpected blend of slapstick comedy and classical music that turned Hjalmar’s New Year’s Clash from a quirky idea into a smash hit!

Read the story

What do you think would happen if Hjalmar shared the stage with the Swedish Chamber Orchestra?” Peter Flack suddenly asked me as we talked over a cup of coffee. Peter’s idea struck home immediately. The contrast between Peter’s comedy character Hjalmar – a farcical “hillbilly” from the Swedish countryside – and one of the world’s most revered chamber orchestras, was absolutely brilliant!

However, this idea demanded careful consideration. When two highly contrasting worlds – each with their own particular audience – collide on stage, the artistic integrity of both parties need to be respected, as do the public’s expectations. All without inhibiting the creative possibilities of the concept. In other words, Peter and I needed a lot of coffee to figure it out…

By packaging the attraction as a new year’s show, we positioned the audience’s expectations towards festive rather than refined – which also helped to create a more relaxed approach to the concept within the orchestra.

Additionally, by positioning Hjalmars New Year’s Clash as a new year’s show, we created a clear value proposition: Buy your tickets as a Christmas present, and celebrate the new year together, later at the show.

Hjalmars New Year’s Clash was a total success. Every performance sold out and received standing ovations and outstanding reviews, leading to the show being broadcasted on prime-time national radio.

A few years later, it even got a sequel. This time, Hjalmar and the orchestra presented a Hollywood and Broadway concept, featuring the most popular music and scenes from the world of stage and cinema. With hits from Titanic, Star Wars, The Godfather and Hair, to name a few, the show again sold out, achieved national news coverage, and, just like its predecessor, received standing ovations every night.

What was the sequel called? Hjalmar’s New Year’s Clash 2, of course!