Snjolaug Ludviksdottir @ Gilded Balloon

Let it Snow from Icelandic comedian Snjolaug Ludviksdottir is a scattered show, in both its tone and humour

Review by James Gladdis | 08 Aug 2019
  • Snjolaug Ludviksdottir @ Gilded Balloon

Snjolaug Ludviksdottir is the most Icelandic of Icelanders. Her name means snow and at times, Let it Snow has huge Nordic Noir vibes. Tonally, Ludviksdottir flits between one liners and  seemingly family-friendly comedy to some of the darkest material you’re likely to hear all festival.

Unfortunately, this ends up leaving the impression that Ludviksdottir has changed her mind regarding what kind of comic she wants be over the years, instead deciding to stitch each version of herself into one show rather than dedicate more time to a single style.

Let it Snow also suffers from being structurally fragmented throughout. There are few segways between topics and the transitions that are provided feel forced. The conclusion to the show deals with a subject that is in no way addressed at any other point, so to call it a ‘conclusion’ isn’t particularly accurate as no thematic threads are tied together.

However, there are some redemptive moments during Let it Snow. As mentioned, Ludviksdottir’s humour can become pitch black at the drop of a hat and it’s in these moments that she shines brightest. Her delivery has a certain rigidity to it – this is by no means a criticism, as it lends itself perfectly to the show's far darker moments. We can only hope that in future she leans into this darker material; the fact these rare moments verge on genius makes it all the more frustrating that Let it Snow is so uneven in other areas.


Snjolaug Ludviksdottir: Let It SnowGilded Balloon @ Old Tolbooth Market (Top), until 25 Aug (not 12, 19), £6/PWYW