Over the past few years, we have found ourselves mining the Scandi comedy caves like gold-obsessed prospectors from 1848. From the genius of  Ari Eldjárn’s Eagle Fire Iron to the abstract absurdity of Hugleikur Dagsson’s No Idea, these clowns have always delivered.

So, when we were walking down from The Pleasance the other day and saw a poster for a clown named Thor (Thor Odin, to give him his full title), our interests were firmly piqued.

Turns out we weren’t the only ones, as all of this Norwegian clown’s shows were sold out for the entire run. Our only hope of a ticket was an extra late-night gig that had just been added to the fringe website, and it was this show that we were now stood in the queue for.

This show is all about Thor’s childhood growing up as the product of a one-night stand. But this is not a tragic tale of sadness or disappointment… quite the opposite, in fact. Our clown is the very embodiment of positivity and joy, his clouds honestly seem to have platinum linings, and it makes a refreshing change from all the neurodivergent-diagnosis shows currently dominating the fringe landscape.

His anecdotes about being “posted” around Norway as a child, the unusual make-up of his family AND having to explain that unusual make-up to his girlfriend’s very traditional parents are all delivered with a cheery accent that, thanks to an English flatmate, has picked up a slight Scouse twang over the years… so much so that, honestly, if he hadn’t known who Thor’s father was, we’d be pointing a finger at John Arne Riise!

This was an incredible debut show which fully deserved its sold-out status and Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination. And whilst it may not be as prestigious as many of the awards that this clown has been nominated for this year, he has 100% won our title for ‘Best Show Giveaway of the Fringe’. The condoms with his face on (as a reminder/warning) were a genius touch.

Clown Stars: * * * * *

@The Pleasance, Edinburgh

You can find out more about Thor’s upcoming shows here, and if you enjoyed this Scandi clown review you may also like…