The last time “The Spanish Fly” was played on an outdoor stage in Helsingborg was in 1992, then with Nils Poppe in one of the main roles. This summer it’s time again, now with Eva Rydberg and Claes Malmberg in the roles.
– Mrs. Klinker is the guardian of morality, or rather double standards. In the original role, she is harsh, but the new Mrs. Klinker will mainly be funny. It suits me better, says Eva Rydberg to TT.
The role of the choleric husband is played by Claes Malmberg. For him, it will be the first time he plays “The Spanish Fly” but the third time he works with Eva Rydberg.
New stage after 30 years
– It is always fun to work with Eva, she is a formidable comedian with a lot of experience. It makes the job so much easier for me, he says.
For Eva Rydberg, it will thus be the second summer on a new stage after almost 30 years at Fredriksdal’s outdoor theatre, which she took over from Nils Poppe. However, the municipality terminated the contract last year and Eva Rydberg had to start over at the age of 80.
– Sundspärlan is great, in several ways it is better than Fredriksdalsteatern: It is bigger, the audience can see better and there is a roof over the stage so that we avoid rain. We enjoy ourselves very well, she says.
“A lot of fun”
At the same time, the production company that took over Fredriksdalsteatern after Eva Rydberg has already pulled out of the contract because the audience flow has been too poor.
When asked if she wants to return to Fredriksdalsteatern, Eva Rydberg answers:
– Not as it feels right now. I don’t want to say more than that about this matter.
Rehearsals for “The Spanish Fly” begin in April, followed by 44 performances in June. Alongside that, she also has small roles in film and television.
– How can I cope? Because it’s so much fun! And then I take care of my body with good food, walks and yoga.
“The Spanish Fly” will be played between 13 June and 17 August 2025 at Sundspärlan’s outdoor theater in Helsingborg.