We bring you the first part of our interview with Stockholm-based comedian Al Pitcher!
We had the opportunity to sit down and have a chat with stand-up comedian Al Pitcher at an atmospheric hotel bar with 1920s swing music playing in the background and setting the mood. Never mind that it was 9 am on a February morning – the cold outside was forgotten when Al was warmly telling about his life, the importance of family and what he likes most in Sweden.
“When I first got here I quite liked the solitude of it all. Putting your earphones on and jacket over your head and just walking in the fresh snow… But after a while I got a bit worried about the loneliness. But once you get to know a Swede, they’ll stay with you for life.”
But most importantly: “I like that my kids can have a great life here”
Al also explains how he became a comedian. He says it took him quite many years and quite a lot of bad jobs before he worked out what he wanted. But he got his start by going to an open mic night in London.
Having grown up in New Zealand, Al got into his stand-up career in London in 1999, gaining recognition and performing at various famous comedy festivals. He met his wife in London and moved with her to Sweden in 2010. Al quickly made himself a name in the Swedish stand-up scene, getting the “Best Male Comedian” prize at the Swedish Stand-up Gala already in 2011.
Al has toured with his comedy around Sweden and most recently we have seen him in his own TV special called “Fy Fan Sverige”. The one-hour show is still available to watch on SVT Play until April 6th.
Read more about Al Pitcher’s upcoming show “Sverige Syndrome” (tickets are already out) on Al’s homepage and while you’re there, check out his podcast ”Fika med Al Pitcher”.
Video: Karen Pérez Guzmán
Text & Photos: Nina Uddin
