There's an unlikely popular show that airs in Norway every Christmas Eve or julaften, as it's called in Norway. The eighteen-minute comedy sketch is titled "Grevinnen og Hovmesteren" or "The Baroness and the Butler." Sometimes it's also called "Dinner for One."
It was originally recorded in Germany in 1963 for an English audience there. However, the sketch has become significantly more popular in Norway than it ever was in Germany. No one is really sure why, and most Norwegians don't even recall the actual name of the show! They do, however, always make time to watch it every year out of tradition.
The plot is humorous and basically involves a wealthy baroness getting the butler completely intoxicated. From there it's implied that part of his duties for the evening also include giving the old lady a good shagging.
What this has to do with the holidays I have no idea, although it certainly has a few things in common with the aggressive drinking culture in Norway, especially around the holidays.
The Origins of Grevinnen og Hovmesteren
Originally performed by British comedians Freddie Frinton and May Warden in the 1960s, Dinner for One first aired on German television in 1963. Strangely enough, it never gained much traction in Britain, but it found instant popularity in Germany, Scandinavia, and, most especially, Norway, where it quickly became an irreplaceable part of julaften. The sketch itself is simple but brilliantly funny, relying on physical comedy, repeated lines, and the impeccable timing of Frinton and Warden.
What's the Sketch About?
The storyline of Grevinnen og Hovmesteren revolves around a dinner party hosted by an elderly Baroness named Miss Sophie, played by Warden. Miss Sophie's four closest friends have long since passed, but in her mind, they are still with her, and she insists on celebrating her 90th birthday with them. Enter James, the butler, played by Frinton, who must serve each course and drink to the absent guests. With every course, James must drink the guests' toasts himself, becoming hilariously inebriated by the end.
The catchphrase, "Same procedure as last year, Miss Sophie?" spoken by James and always answered with a firm "Same procedure as every year, James," has become iconic in Norway, often quoted in households to kick off the viewing.
A Tradition That Unites
In Norway, Grevinnen og Hovmesteren airs every Christmas Eve, and families of all ages watch it, knowing each line and laugh in advance. It's a moment of familiarity and togetherness that unites Norwegians, reminding them of previous Christmases, loved ones, and laughter-filled moments. Many viewers report that watching the sketch with their family is a bonding experience, especially as it's something they've done since childhood.