one4review | On 13, Aug 2022

Ari Eldjarn is an Icelandic comedian writer and actor seen on Mock The Week (BBC Two) and a host of BBC Radio Comedy Programmes, including The Arts Hour on Tour (BBC World Service), Scotland Vs. The World (BBC Radio 4), The Today Programme (BBC Radio 4) and an episode of Welcome To Wherever You Are (BBC Radio 4).

Ari is a big star in his native Iceland and he really deserves to be bigger in the UK, he has a wide range of talents and his English and his writing is of the highest level, his narrative moves back and forth referencing previous parts of the show in a very skilful saga like way.

In many fringe shows this year we hear about the consequences of lockdown and pandemic, Ari has a different take he recalls for us Icelands attempts to deal with the unusual aspects of the vaccine rollout on his small island and it’s tiny 300,000 population. Ari gets a bit more personal with details about his family life, his difficulties with sleeping and smoking , apart from the great storytelling we get an accompaniment of sound effects and visual gags.

This class act is what the international fringe is all about, so do try and get along and see this show

****

Reviewed by Robert

Monkey Barrel Comedy – Monkey Barrel 4

17.00(1hr)

Until 28th August (not 15th or 23rd)