Aiming for the 50,000th visitor – Jóli Hólm at Bæjarbíó until 2029

Jóli Hólm at the Town Cinema until 2029

„Jóli Hólm isn't leaving Hafnarfjörður. Something massive would have to happen for that to happen. The Bæjarbíó would have to burn down,“ says stand-up comedian and screenwriter Sóli Hólm, about his show Jóli Hólm, which has made its home at the Bæjarbíó for the past few years. The aim is to welcome the 50,000th guest to the show series this Christmas.

„Jóli Hólm is a concept that belongs here in the heart of Hafnarfjörður,“ he says. Bæjarbíó and Sóli Hólm have signed a contract for the collaboration until the end of 2029.

„This is a two-way deal. I secure the venue and Bæjarbíó the screenings. So it's a win-win for both of us,“ says a pleased Sóli Hólm about the collaboration. „The venue is mine in December – as it has been for the past four years.“

Sóli's shows at the Town Cinema have now surpassed 140. He held his first stand-up show in 2019, and has since performed regularly under the banner of Jóla Hólm since 2022.

• Year 2022 = 27 shows
• Year 2023 = 34
• 2024 = 39
• 2025 = 41

„It's not my ambition to increase the number of shows year on year. My aim is to put on a show that people want to see again and again,“ he says. „Yes, the challenge is to make a good show last as long as my voice and limbs will allow.“

Mayor Valdimar Víðisson was present at the signing in this historic cultural house of Hafnarfjörður. „It has been amazing to see the show draw ever more people to the heart of Hafnarfjörður. Sóli Hólm has certainly enhanced the town's atmosphere, and it's wonderful to be able to come to the heart of Hafnarfjörður year after year and laugh with its people.“

Sóli says no other venue offers the same atmosphere as the Bæjarbíó. „Here, you have a closeness to the audience, and I also think about the overall experience for those who come. Guests can come here, park in the Firðinn car park, stroll to a restaurant and then on to the show here.“ The tradition has become a treasured one for many, and the venue's staff know how to look after guests before they head to the show.

Páll Eyjólfsson, Operations Manager of Bæjarbíó, says the collaboration is important for Bæjarbíó. „For us, the culture in the centre of Hafnarfjörður and at Bæjarbíó is important. This is part of showing what we can offer in the way of diverse events here at Bæjarbíó.“

Sóli says it's rewarding to see the same people again and again in the hall. „I've also watched four generations together at the show. That's what I stand for – people having easy access to me and enjoying their time together, perhaps even visiting the Christmas Village and then seeing Jóla Hólm. You get into the Christmas spirit. It's just a winning formula, and you don't change a winning team.“

Sóli says the show is in the making all year. The active work then begins at the end of July. „Halldór Smárason and I are always throwing ideas back and forth, especially about these timeless songs in the show. I'm really looking forward to December.“