When Blacks Books first aired on RÚV (Iceland’s tiny version of the BBC), Bill Bailey instantly gained a local fanbase. Cut to 15 years later when I’m an aspiring stand-up comedian and my Norwegian friend Stian asks if I’d like to promote a Bill Bailey show in Reykjavík. I instantly say yes, the show goes on sale and the dreaded promotion part awaits. But the 1000 tickets just sell out instantly and my work is done. No need to hype this man.

The day arrives and I pick him up in my old car which coincidentally has a personalised license plate that reads ‘BÍLL’ (car in Icelandic). After convincing him that I am not a stalker with his name on my car, we hang out and I get to enjoy his comedy both off and on stage. The show is called Limboland and the audience is in hysterics. What a comedian. The storytelling. The music. For the cowbell part he allows me to join the show as a stage-hand.
After all is said and done he departs Iceland with an assortment of odd instruments. But an idea has been planted. I had never done a one-man solo show before so I book the same venue for my now annual New Year gig. It’s been eight years since then and I’ve done more than 100 shows. Bill showed me how it’s done and for that I will always be grateful. Next up: I’m going to learn how to dance.
Ari Eldjárn: Return Of The Icelandic tours until Sunday 28 April; main picture: Hörður Sveinsson.