Team Edinburgh Reviews was offered a free ticket to go see Ari Eldjárn at Money Barrell. I hadn’t seen Netflix’s Pardon my Icelandic on Netflix, but I took the ticket and went to see Ari anyway.
And I’m glad I did!
Monkey Barrell squeezed people into one of their wee venues like a Tetris grandmaster, and despite watching Ari at 90 degrees and sitting beside someone who stank of smoke, I had a great time.
I suspect most readers know, but Iceland has relatively few people—fewer than half a million. Most of the people live in Reykjavík; it has no army, one of the world’s longest-running parliaments, and so far, North extreme weather.
I don’t think you need to know anything about Iceland to enjoy Return of the Icelandic but some of this becomes relevant in the gig.
What to expect
It’s all action, and for tonight’s gig, Ari Eldjárn explained that he was squeezing 90 minutes into 60 minutes. I hope he just talked quickly and nothing was cut, as it was all golden.
There’s no audience interaction. Phew.
There’s swearing, but not much, references to sex and nudity, but not much and certainly nothing to endanger future Netflix deals. Yet, that’s not to say Ari Eldjárn holds back. It’s just that laughs come from cleverly interwoven personal anecdotes and wit.
Return of the Icelandic is a case of getting comfortable, sitting back and enjoying the show. If it’s ride and then it’s a smooth and well-maintained electric car that glides along with surprising power.
I had no idea that Ari was related to Kristján Eldjárn, the former President of Iceland, but given that I knew so little of Ari before I went, that’s not a surprise. In 1975, the women of Iceland went on strike in protest against chauvinistic men. Kristján Eldjárn was President and popular at the time, so I actually knew more about the grandfather than the grandson.
As it happens, I won’t be surprised if Ari Eldjárn goes into politics later. He’s clearly smart enough for it!
Vibe and performance
I was unsettled at the start as I realised that my arthritic knees could well suffer, but there was wifi at the Monkey Barrel, and Ari Eldjárn took all of a minute to grab my attention, hold it, and stop me worrying.
The Icelandic funny man feels safe; I never once thought he’d step over a line or upset the audience. Safe but not weak, we skirt awkward truths of politics, cultural quirks, mention the Germans, worry about sleeping and touch on single life at 40.
I like Ari’s honesty (okay, maybe I’m wrong about that political career), and I suspect he would be a modest and thoughtful friend.
Things to do near The Monkey Barrel
There are several barrels of monkeys on Blair Street, so make sure you find the right one.
It’s just by The City Cafe and Civerinos for food but after Return of the Icelandic, I walked back down into the Cowgate and along to Lothian Road to eat there. That’s about a ten-minute walk.
If I had gone up the hill that Blair Street is on, then I’d be on the Royal Mile and back into the historical art of Edinburgh’s tourist area. That means sites like St Giles’ Cathedral, the Museum of Childhood, the Castle and Holyrood Abbey are all nearby.
Overall
I went in blind, knowing little Ari Eldjárn and left a fan.
As a show, Return of the Icelandic glides smoothly into action, ramps gracefully through the gears and is at full speed in no time at all. It’s a comfortable trip powered by genuine laughter, the occasional prank and plenty of empathy.
It’s a recommendation. If Ari comes back for the Festivals, then try and get tickets.
Review: Ari Eldjárn: Return of the Icelandic
Summary
Ari Eldjárn’s Return of the Icelandic is funny and friendly. In the show, you’ll encounter some pranks and some family truths and learn a bit about how politics works in Iceland. You’ll leave pleased you went and wondering why politics couldn’t be more like that elsewhere.
Disclaimer: Our tickets were provided for free to facilitate this review.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
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