My wife and I did something a little different tonight and went to a stand up routine, by probably the most famous Finnish comedian in the world.
That isn't saying much.
The gig was at the "summer theatre" - which is an outdoor theatre that most cities and towns have that host various plays and performances through the warmer months. It was 12C (53F) today, so it is definitely summer!
But, it is a pretty cool place, nestled into the forest, with what is one of the most popular lake beaches in the city a stones throw away. Though, there wasn't anyone out sunbaking in this weather.
My wife went to see this guy (Ismo Leikola) a couple months ago with her family, but this time he was doing one of his rare gigs in Finland, in English - so we went together. We have seen him before in English too, when we joined in at a little bar so he could test some of his new material with us, before going on a tour in the US.
He now lives in L.A.
As you can see, the stage is "pretty amazing", if you are a beaver. But, it dowes have some charm to it. I think the last performance I saw here was when it was the older stage with my ex, to watch a play put on by her aunty, who is a relatively Finnish famous writer and playwright. It has its charm.
Though, with the cold and rain, it was a little less charming, though it was nice to see that they home crowd gave Ismo some support, despite him being a little off his game, or a not quite comfortable with his set. It felt again a bit like he was testing material, which he likely is since he is only doing two gigs here in English, but quite a few for the Finnish speakers.
It wasn't bad, just not polished, and he fumbled over the delivery a little at times and occasionally felt like he got a bit lost. Still okay, but not great. I felt at times that he was a bit like me, scrambling to remember the lines he was supposed to say, but drawing a blank.
Still a few laughs were to be had and he does make some relatively interesting insights into cultural differences in behavior and language.
Here is an old clip from a set:
The last comedy set I went to see was John Cleese, which was different again. Cleese is 83 years old and his set was supported by some very well known material from his past, with Monty Python clips and talks about his colleagues and friends. It was like a walk down memory lane, getting an insight into how and why they all did what they did. There was a comfort in it, as well as a sadness, like a look in the mirror at a familiar face, marked by lines of hardship and knowing that there isn't much time left.
The past would soon be replaced and forgotten.
There was a depth to it that required reflection after the event and in some ways, attending was similar to saying good bye to a cherished relative, who you know you aren't going to see again. Sad, but at the same time, making the most of reminiscing.
As you can see, it was cold.
But, once everyone squeezed in, it wasn't bitterly cold, just a little cool. And, because this is Finland, it wasn't like going to a theater all dressed up, people were in very practical clothes to stay comfortable and warm. The show ran for two 45-minute slots with a 30-minute intermission, which was enough time for people to get a beer, sausage or like us, coffee and hot chocolate before returning to the stands.
Thankfully, the rain that was promised failed to materialize for the few hours so we didn't get wet, but in some way, the cold and overcast skies, with the forest backdrop added to the show. It felt more intimate and personal, where he was able to see the audience and interact a little, joking about the way some laughed, or teasing the few who happened to come in a little late to the party.
It was because of this show that we had to book our trip abroad a little later than we had planned, but that is okay too. We are in the midst of packing, which has been made slightly harder since we are still trying to make it a surprise for Smallsteps, but there are now suitcases around. I am saying "we are cleaning up" but I am not sure how long that will fly before she catches on.
I hope she enjoys the surprises now, because I don't think we are going to be able to keep up the charades for much longer, as she notices nearly everything.
The first official day of not going to work was today, but I had to get up early and head for a blood test, so I am hoping that I get to sleep in tomorrow. It is almost 3am though, so I don't think it is going to be a long sleep, even if I get up a bit later...
No drama. I will catch up sometime later.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
