Figure 11. The magnificent Bill Bailey drew a crowd
In a complete departure from what most international students do on a Friday night, the Finnish Committee spent money on something else except alcohol and joined a bunch of middle aged Swedes to watch a middle aged English comedian.
The Lund Comedy Festival is a world renowned event. The top line of Swedish stand-up, along with a few foreign headliners gather to this tiny university town for an extended weekend of recording new laugh tracks.
The show we headed for was Bill Bailey's 110 minute stand-up extravaganza. It was in fact his second time in Lund, as he was a big hit at last years festival. The British orator discussed things primarily relating to Britain, with some more global pop-culture thrown in here and there, and of course the mandatory jokes written specifically for the local audience. More than once I laughed with tears in my eyes, wondering if this is a way I could actually die in then bring it on.
The act had me thinking of why the Finnish stand-up scene is so unremarkable even to us Finns. Sure some big names come around to Helsinki every now and then, but the Finnish comedians themselves are unknown even on a national level. The moment you think Sweden and Finland have almost indistinguishable cultural preferences, you realize you might be a bit too comfortable with thinking the Nordic countries are completely harmonious.
Surprisingly enough a tiny town such as Lund boasts plenty of cultural events in the calendar. Probably no small thanks to an aging rich population, and an active student scene. Not many places this size can boast internationally renowned headliners for a comedy festival. Then again, I believe it might be one of the biggest festivals in the country. Can't help but be happy for finding a place like this.
