Reykjavík Grapevine - 08.04.2005, Page 23

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Brace yourself: the cast of Spaugstofan (the Joke
Office) is up there with the Goons, the Monty Python
Crew, and the original Saturday Night Live cast.
The five-member cast has been putting on a weekly
broadcast since 1989. They have taken full advantage
of the unique consequences of a tiny island country
advancing from blue-collar fish economy to ultra-hip
culture capital of the North.
As social satirists, Spaugstofan has carried the mantel
of Laxness. Recently, they ran a screamingly funny if
tragic episode dedicated to the exploitation this country
suffered, without complaint, from the three major oil
companies.
Some things shouldn’t be explained though: these
guys are flat out ridiculously funny. Pálmi Gestsson’s
interpretation of Prime Minister Halldór Ásgrímsson
is so endearing and sadly amusing that we would re-
elect the PM just to keep the impressions going. And
Örn Árnason… think Horatio Sanz crossed with Peter
Sellers. We’re talking a cast that is world class funny
free from the corruption of Hollywood or movie deals.
Spaugstofan. Saturdays on RÚV at 8:30. You can view
their episodes for free online through www.RUV.is.

God is Corruption Funny by Bart Cameron
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