Clara Schøn fills the stage with self-irony and music in "A greeting from your ex"

I had a really nice chat with Clara Schøn in connection with her upcoming show “En hilsen fra din eks”, on February 26th, at the Musikhuset in Aarhus. It quickly felt more like a conversation than an interview. She is completely natural, straightforward and at the same time really fun to talk to, and she is one of those people that you just automatically come to like right away. We talked about the show, about life behind the scenes and about everything that she shares with the audience, and it was clear that humor and honesty are closely related in her.

There is something liberating about people who dare to make fun of themselves. Not in that assumed way, but honestly, rawly and with a twinkle in their eye. Clara Schøn is one of them. In her show, she mixes stand-up, music and personal stories, and the result is a universe where the audience can laugh, nod in recognition and maybe even feel a little bit of themselves along the way.

When she visits Musikhuset in Aarhus, it will be the first time she has performed the show outside of Copenhagen. And although it is new territory, the material already feels well-researched. She began writing it several years ago, right around the time when she herself was in the middle of the transition from single life to a relationship and all the questions that come with being in your 30s.

"I started writing for the show four years ago, right when I turned 30. It's a lot about going from being single to being in a relationship, and everything you go through during that period. I really think a lot of people can relate to that, regardless of age," she says.

It is precisely this recognizability that carries much of her material. Friends, ex-boyfriends, expectations of life and the small, awkward situations you suddenly find yourself in when you are no longer quite young, but not quite as grown-up as you had imagined.

Clara Schøn – Photo Per Tajmer Booking & Management

When privacy becomes material

Clara actively uses her own life on stage. Not just as inspiration, but as the very foundation of the show. She talks openly about relationships, feelings and the moments when she makes a fool of herself. And that's completely intentional.

"I think it's most fun to tell stories where I'm the underdog myself, or where I'm the one who did something stupid. Otherwise, it can quickly feel a bit like you're kicking yourself," she says.

She doesn't seem like someone who needs to be perfect. Quite the opposite. It's precisely the imperfect and recognizable that she leans into, and you can clearly feel that when she talks.

However, the balance between private and public still takes up a bit of space. Not because she is holding anything back, but because she is aware of how it affects the people she is talking about.

"I don't actually think there's anything I don't want to talk about. As long as it's said with a twinkle in the eye and with love, it feels okay."

Peter, love and the hard jokes

One of those the audience quickly gets to know is her boyfriend Peter. He is a regular part of the show, and she makes no secret of the fact that he is used extensively in the material.

“I'm pretty hard on him on stage,” she says, laughing. “But luckily he's a stand-up comedian himself, and he also makes lots of jokes about me.”

That's what makes it easier to find the balance. They both know the game and know that humor is part of the relationship.

“I also remember telling him that Peter is actually really nice. Because sometimes when I describe him, he can sound a little… backward. But it's said with love, and I always ask him if a joke is okay. And luckily it almost always is.”

At the same time, Clara is also aware that some things work because it is a woman who says them.

“For example, I have a long piece about Peter being ugly and a bit slow. I don't think people would find it particularly funny if a man said that about his girlfriend. Then you would probably think he was quite unsympathetic.”

Clara Schøn Stand-up – Photo Per Time Booking & Management

The music makes it all a little wilder

An important part of her show is the music. She performs with a jazz band, and the songs are not just an intermission, but an integral part of the story.

“I think it becomes more of a real show when the music is included. Not just someone standing there telling jokes. There's also some craftsmanship in making punchlines fit into a melody,” she explains.

The music also gives her the opportunity to go a little further over the edge.

“I sing some pretty crazy things. But because it's wrapped in something nice and feminine and in great music, it works. It wouldn't work the same way if I just stood there saying it.”

That contrast is part of the charm. The audience is led into a soft atmosphere, and suddenly there is a line that hits a little off, making the entire room burst out laughing.

When the audience gets closer

When you spend your own life so directly on stage, something happens to the relationship with the audience. They get to know not just a comedian, but also a person.

“I actually feel like people are getting closer to me. My humor can be quite harsh and ironic, and that's the side I bring to the stage. That's not necessarily how I am if I'm sitting at a family party and meeting someone for the first time.”

She also laughs a little at herself when it comes to being on stage and being the center of attention. She makes no secret of the fact that she loves making people laugh, and that it gives her a special energy to feel the audience's reactions. That desire to share and entertain is also what drives her forward.

And precisely because Clara tests the material continuously, she also makes adjustments along the way.

“There are some jokes I've taken out because I could feel the audience going a little quiet. Then I thought, okay, now they might just think I'm being too harsh. I'm there to make people happy, so there's no point in holding on to something that doesn't work.”

An evening where time flies

When she's on stage, the goal is actually quite simple.

“I just want people to have a really good time and that the time has flown by. That they have laughed and can see themselves in some of it.”

She doesn't necessarily hope that the audience will go home and analyze the show for days. More so that they leave with the feeling of having been a part of something.

“I feel best when people laugh. Then I've had a good evening. But I also think it's nice if they leave feeling that they've been well entertained and maybe can recognize themselves in some of the stories.”

Because that's exactly where it hits. In the small recognitions, in the awkward situations and in the thoughts we all carry around but rarely say out loud. And maybe that's why Clara's humor feels so close. Because she starts with herself.