Pernille Haaland
Published: Tuesday 11th October 2022
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week we welcome a Norwegian who must be heartily sick of the question 'any relation?' by now, as that strapping namesake keeps banging in hattricks. Turns out one of her actual relations had a memorable trick too, we'll find out below.
Haaland is in action on Wednesday night at London's Bloomsbury Theatre, for Laugh Till it Hurts, a fundraiser for the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal. Also lining up are Mark Dolan (MC), Paul Sinha, Simon Brodkin, Geoff Norcott, Ivo Graham, Simon Evans, Matt Richardson and Tom Ward.
Does she have tactics in mind for that show?
"Yes, I have some ideas about my set, thank God. Mainly I'll be talking about moving back to Norway - after 20 years living in London - and how I think I survived the pandemic; I didn't get bangs, I didn't join a pyramid scheme and I didn't start a podcast (or I did, but stopped)."
Very wise. Haaland was in Edinburgh during August, with the show Resting Confused Face. How did it go?
"Edinburgh seems like a lifetime ago," she admits. "It was exhausting but I had a great time, lovely audiences and great feedback."
Back of the net. Pernille Haaland, your Random 8 await:
Who is - or was - your most interesting relative?
My grandfather, Rudolph, who smoked a pipe while tap dancing. It was his party trick.
Ever met a surprisingly great or awful famous person?
I once met Florence Pugh in the queue for the ladies toilet. We didn't really talk because we both desperately needed a piss. She seemed nice though.
What's your favourite mode of transport, and why?
Train. Love a good empty train. A snooze.
Which place you've visited was the biggest anti-climax?
I was once in Rio and went up to the Jesus statue. But we didn't read the weather forecast so when we arrived it was cloudy. All we could see was his feet, and he could do with a pedicure.
What's the most regrettable thing you've ever bought?
Oh God, loads of things... recently a pair of black stiletto heels - I don't wear heels. Hate it in fact. I wish I'd remembered that before I bought them.
How do you feel about cats?
I think they are sociopaths. Not a cat person at all.
What's the worst thing you've ever tasted?
Every Christmas in Norway we eat Lutefisk. It is essentially fermented fish. Fuck me, whoever invented that hated people, the world and themselves. It is awful.
Who are you most envious of?
People who are patient. How do they do it???
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