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 ]
You're a handsome dude man, look out, your DM's are going to go crazy! Eggplant emojis everywhere. 🍆
It's been a while since I've seen some stand up. Remember Jason Alexander? (From Seinfeld)...Saw him in Melbourne a while ago. Fucken funny dude.
Vodka? I've seen this dude on YouTube and thought he was funny. I can't recall the jokes, something about Finnish-English translation. I'd go to see him live.
I hope you have a good summer break. I know you're away...if you're driving don't hit any fucken mooses! (Moosii?)
Haven't seen an eggplant sent my way for a long time.
George! I liked Seinfeld a lot. We recently watched the series again. I think he'd be great in stand up.
Yep. He plays around with how silly English is a lot.
Moosii or Moosius.
Lol, well I'll send some DM's out to a few people and get some eggplant emojis coming your way, when people see this image of you...well, it'll be on!
Jason Alexander was really good on the stage, set stuff up well, swore a lot. It was entertaining.
Sounds like it was a great night despite the cold. It's been hotter than blazes here lately. They are calling for 90 tomorrow and the humidity has been high. The last comedian I saw love was Jim Gaffigan and that was forever ago. I'll have to check this guy out.
He is funny. I have watched a couple of his Netflix specials.
Standup requires a rare breed in my opinion. It has got to be daunting to get up there.
I totally agree with you.
It's wonderful that you and your wife had the opportunity to see Ismo Leikola perform live, especially in his rare English gig in Finland.
I'm always excited to read about the activities you do with Smallsteps.
And I love that you're preparing for a trip and creating surprises for Smallsteps.
I hope she doesn't catch on too soon and that you guys will have a fantastic time.
By the way, your brother is right, you look amazing and I hope your DM doesn't blow up with 🍆😁
It is good when there are local things to do - even though he lives in the US :)
How is your week looking?
Hey, I haven't seen a picture of you in a while and you look thinner, @tarazkp. How nice! Here in Venezuela it's getting unbearably hot and more than coffee or chocolate, we need a beer. I like the open air shows, they seem like another kind of show to me. Lighter and with a higher degree of improvisation! I hope you can share pictures of the next trip and all the aventures and anecdotes worth telling. A nice evening, my friend. Regards
I wish! It is the bigger beard - makes my head shrink ;)
Funny thing. The comedian was selling his own branded beer at this event. It is brewed in Finland, but has a Mexican spin :D
Lots of pictures coming in the next week - once I take them :)
Love the smile in your face, that shows how beautiful the moment was for you guys
It was nice to be out together :)
I love that theater man. I love stand-up in general. I used to work at a club some many years ago. Fun times. I got to see a lot of my heroes.
That would have been pretty cool to work in a club. You must have seen some great talent and, some not so great failures!
Yeah. It was mind boggling sometimes to see some really great acts never make it, and others that would. Some people just have that "it" factor. I met Dave Chapelle when he was on top of the world, and he was one of the most humble people I've ever met. It's always cool when you get to see the real people behind the show.
Looks like a nice night out even if the comedy was a little unpolished but that’s okay! Where are you planning on taking small steps? I haven’t caught that one yet but a surprise trip is fun!
You can sure tell that it’s in a country setting, the wooden cabin look is hilarious. Almost feels redneck! Lol
Will announce once we are there. It isn't anything that wild, just decided to not frontrun it this time.
This is Finland!
Lots of the plays that would be shown here would be Finnish life plays, so it works as a backdrop. They would flesh it out of course with more set and props.
Never been to an outdoor comedy show myself, I wonder what that was like? Looks like it was in a beautiful place though!
It was good. Nice atmosphere and the crowd were really getting into it. One thing you can say about Finns, they support local talent. Also, about 20% of the city foreigners were there too :D
12C is way too cold for me, I think I would have sent J with someone else as I would have likely either frozen to death or not been able to breathe XD
Long as the show was enjoyable even if it was a bit shaky, can't roll well all the time XD
With enough clothing, it is okay :)
And, we are used to it....
It was the first show of the series, so perhaps he hadn't quite got his grip on some of the material. Definitely not made for Netflix...
I like this kind of scenario for theater representation! They are among the best and most immersive.
In Verona, the city where I was born there are a couple of relevant Roman theater, much touristic and suggestive BUT I would always go for a representation in nature.
And well, 12C in summer, that's quite coldy :D
Cheers to you!
Verona is beautiful!
Totally unrelated funny story.
Wife and I eloped and went to Milan for the honeymoon. When there, we updated Facebook (a long time ago when I used it) and booked a night in Venice, taking the train. My best friend from Australia who I hadn't seen in almost 20 years, sent me a message that he and his wife were in Verona for the opera. So, on the way through, we had breakfast in Verona with them, which turned into lunch. Very random - very, very awesome.
The weather seems not good for an outdoor activity. It comes strange to me that you call 12C summer weather. It is above 30C here this week, fortunately it will rain in the weekend :)
The summers here can be nice and hot or cold and wet. Some years, it doesn't get over 25 at all and will average 18....
It is hot out there! Taking a bath in icy water is essential to cool off :)
The lake is just behind the seating. Can just jump in ;)
🤣
It's so cool that you got to see John Cleese, he's awesome.
Looks like you had a good time. There's nothing wrong with Smallsteps being super observant and curious, but I understand how it makes surprises difficult. Smart kids are like that sometimes.
that ”...old clip from a set:” is some ”good shit”! ...just like this sharing of yours, here, @tarazkp !!
The stage looks so far away lol and maybe out of reach of being stoned. That is hard core as it doesn't look that pleasant even though it is a Finnish summer and you have to spend the time outdoors whilst you still can.
It has got to be really challenging to do stand up comedy in two different languages. The word plays, the cultural norms, the idioms, it would be a lot to keep separate as one is doing the performances, so congrats to him.
I'm a big fan of stand up comedy, especially the witty stuff that pokes fun at shitty cultural norms. George Carlin was the best at this kinda stuff. I just recently saw Sarah Silverman's latest HBO special which is always a fun watch for me because I enjoy all the self-deprecating Jewish humor she brings.
Do you have any favorite Aussie comedians that speak to your sensibilities?