Snorri Kristjansson promises no dancing elephants or smoke effects. Instead - an Icelandic comedian who sometimes loses the plot.

Snorri apparently means different, disgusting and surprising things in different languages. Snorri Kristjansson's lugubrious low-key approach both lulls and engages. He admits to losing his way in the middle of a story. If this is a comic device rather than a true failure of memory, it needs to be more focused and sharply presented. It works well but it's sometimes too distracting.

He has a friendly approach even when explaining why Iceland is the best country in the world. This casual, relaxed approach points up the horror of what he saw in Saw (the film), and some misdirected photos he took. He has an accent, but speaks good English, and only really loses his listeners in one place - something to do with an Albanian astronaut who was the son of a metaphysical concept and a wheelbarrow. He stumbles here and his lack of confidence shows.

But when he's on home ground – especially describing the vagaries of Icelandic history - the comedy is much stronger and connected. His experiences in Hackney and slightly more affluent areas have great comic potential which he uses well. What happened when he almost met (English actor) Jude Law, English manners, and the dangers of (UK children's character) Noddy's car provoke laughter and a recognition of these real but surreal situations.

Snorri Kristjansson is if anything too self-deprecating. He has good material that can be further developed. He comes across as non-threatening and lovable, and his quiet observational comedy will certainly check with many people's experience.

Cast Credits: Performer - Snorri Kristjansson.

Company Credits: Writer / Director - Snorri Kristjansson. Technical Operator - Venue Staff. Producer - uncredited. Company - Laughing Horse Free Festival.

END

(c) Peter Andrews 2008

reviewed Wednesday 6 Aug 08 / Laughing Horse@Espionage, Edinburgh

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2011

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