Here’s what The Goteborg Daily thought of our second show…
The Gothenburg Comedy Club is a recent addition to the city’s entertainment repertoire. A comedy night performed in English, perhaps for those still searching for the Swedish humour in this long cold Spring, this no way restricts the nationalities of the comedians on show, with Brits, Americans, and Swedes all taking turns in front of the mic.
Starting just last month, it was already successful enough to fill its second scheduled night when I joined the audience at the Källarn Bar on Vasagatan this Sunday. The crowd, a mixture of native Swedes and expats, thoroughly enjoyed the stand up and occasional musical pieces performed. The humour on show was astutely toned for a crowd of such diverse nationalities; with a recent show in Norway inspiring several “how much does that cost!” related jibes to great amusement.
The evening itself though provided great value for those of us on a tight budget, with five comedians and charismatic compere Paul B. Edwards all performing over the course of a couple of hours. The venue is small and intimate, lending to the feel of the evening, with drinks reasonably priced and bar offers available. Don’t let the intimacy of the venue fool you though, this is entertaining professional comedy, with headliner Silky a former BBC New Comedy Award finalist. Additionally, it is always endearing to see artists dedicate themselves to promoting their art form with such enthusiasm. With that in mind, and with the laughter ringing in my ears as I left the bar out onto the chilly evening streets, the Gothenburg Comedy Club will surely go from strength to strength.
Che Thomas
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An interview with Paul B. Edwards in “The Local” (Sweden’s online newspaper in English)
“The Local chats with British comedian Paul B. Edwards about Swedish humour, the problems with anti-comedy, and the launch of his new English-language comedy show in Gothenburg.
So, why Gothenburg?
You know what? I’ve always wanted to come to Sweden but could never find a reason to do it. Then a bizarre twist of fate left me running a monthly comedy gig in Oslo. It’s been a great success and once I discovered I could get to Gothenburg on the bus for less than 200 kronor ($31), I thought to myself, “I can’tnot try and do something here.”
What can crowds expect?
My gigs in the UK all feature two well-established acts performing 30 minute “extended sets” with me as the MC. I’m effectively recreating these shows in Scandinavia.
This month we’ve got two great English comics called Silky and Kevin Shepherd performing full sets and a shorter set from a nutty Welshman called Simon Emanuel who’s just passing through and offered his services. We may also have a Swede. I don’t know yet – it’s nice to have a surprise though, isn’t it?
So these Swedes… are you worried their humour won’t translate?
Haha it already hasn’t! We’ve created room in the show for a “guest spot” from a Swede, but our first-ever Swedish comic decided to try something “experimental” and I think most of the audience wished he hadn’t – and no – I’m not giving names…
What do you mean “experimental”?
This guy who’d apparently been on TV showed up wanting to do some “anti-comedy”. He sat on the stage, didn’t say a word, and played a “teach yourself Chinese” tape over the PA for 15 minutes. He just sat there.
No one was laughing, and I ended up having to drag him off. He’s not coming down again on pain of execution.
Does he reflect Swedish people’s humour in general?
No. Swedes definitely have a good sense of humour. Everyone in Källarn Bar keeps calling me Roger Pontare and falling about laughing. I obviously have no idea what they’re talking about. I also know some terrific Swedish comics who I’ve worked with in England.
Lastly, how did the first show go and what are the plans for the future?
Our first show was at the end of February and although problematic, it was great fun. We had sound issues, lighting issues, the man with the Chinese tapes, and then somebody forgot to bring a mic stand.
It was a shambles, really but a glorious one.
Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they had a great time and would be back for the show this Sunday. The plan is to be monthly and we’ve already got April, May and June’s gigs booked in.
But we need to be supported. Gigs like this only flourish if people show up. I promise to always put absolutely the best show together that I possibly can.
Now I just need Gothenburg comedy fans to come and see it!”
Oliver Gee
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The Gothenburg Comedy Club 