“There Is Nothing Funnier Than an Angry Person Who Suddenly Farts” — Charlie Baker Ahead of His GO GET IT Tour
Forty years into his career, Charlie Baker talks midlife mishaps, musical comedy, and what makes GO GET IT his funniest show yet in this exclusive Q&A.
Fans know him from talkSPORT and Virgin Radio UK, but on stage, Baker combines storytelling, tap dancing, trumpet playing, juggling, and musical flourishes into a seamless evening of comedy.
Q: Is there a universal joke that can turn a bad everyday situation into a big laugh?
A: A serious angry person who audibly farts. There is nothing funnier. I wish it were a classier, cleverer reply, but that’s the answer.
Q: Can someone learn to be funnier if they want to get faster, smarter, more efficient?
A: Being funny is the ultimate in emotional intelligence because you know everything about the situation you’re in. You can learn to be more emotionally intelligent, listen to the odd thoughts in your head, and say them out loud or physically portray them. So yes, you can learn to be funnier. Can you learn to be the funniest? No.
Q: What are the pros and cons of being the funniest person in the room?
A: Pros? It’s really fun. Nothing’s funnier than making people laugh and forget themselves. It probably gets you a few social privileges you wouldn’t otherwise get. I’ve definitely been invited to great events because I add fun value. Cons? Not many. I had a prostate check and the doctor had been to my gigs. He told me afterwards. I can imagine it being a massive downer if you’re very funny and haven’t become a comedian. That would suck. If that’s you… go get it.
Q: Do current events make you laugh more or cry?
A: I’m not a political comedian. I stick away from the news nine times out of ten. Obviously it bleeds in, but I haven’t found a way to do it without sounding a bit studenty. Some songs I’ve done recently may have given me an angle.
Q: Are there figures, dead or alive, you will never joke about?
A: I try and stay away from dead people stuff or shock tactics. Some people can make it funny. I can’t. There are certain people it feels hack to bring up.
Q: What are the most unusual or unexpected topics that inspire material?
A: This show Go Get It has a lot about very specific types of people and behaviours that annoy me. I started making a list and it made my wife laugh, so I carried on. People whose hobby is my job really get it in the neck.
Q: Are people in the front rows fair game?
A: A decent comic will poke about to see who’s game. If someone recoils, it’s best to move on. Not much fun for anyone. I like to set fun things as a group rather than targeting one person. In my last show, we all recreated a cattle auction. It was a highlight.
Q: What’s the biggest flop or mistake you’ve made on stage?
A: I went to one, possibly two Edinburgh festivals with a very undercooked show. First time I left it too late, second wasn’t a good idea. But you learn ten times more from those. Early in my career, I thought I had it all worked out and took my talent a bit for granted. Two pints turned into three a couple of times — terrible shows. I’ve never done that again.
Q: How do you handle off nights or tough crowds?
A: I used to beat myself up about it. But it’s pretty rare now and normally it’s them, not me. I just do my time and try out new material because if I’m going to die, I’m getting something out of it.
Q: You’ve said this show is what you’ve “always wanted to do.” Why now?
A: I’ve always been uptight about the stand-up hour being a neat parcel. I’ll still do that, but I’m at my funniest when I’m relaxed and loose. So I’m trying to be more jazz with it — know the tune inside out but improvise freely. I’m 50 this year and have stopped caring what people think. So I’ll do the show I think is great. I’m also putting all my other skills into it — juggling, magic, dancing, songwriting, acting. It’s all in there.
Q: Will there be songs in the show?
A: Absolutely. Some parodies because I’ve gone viral on The Last Leg, plus some originals. I wrote one this morning called ‘Slow Walking People Like to Walk Three Abreast.’ A very satisfying creative outlet. This show is like a time capsule of my life.
Q: Can we expect characters?
A: There’s one so far — the Millwall Magician. He’s horrible, but there might be another. All my characters have the same voice, look, and vibe. But they’re fun.
Q: What’s the least funny part of preparing a comedy show?
A: Driving.
Q: How do fans make an impression on you?
A: People would bring gluten-free pasties for me on my last tour. Lovely. Nine out of ten fans are brilliant. Some front-row types don’t get it, but that happens.
Q: How does it feel to headline The Comedy Store?
A: I’ve done everywhere — the O2, Kazakhstan, Babbacombe Theatre. But my favourites are The Comedy Store, London, where I first saw pro stand-up at 15, and the London Palladium. Both are pure heaven. I warmed up for Jack Dee Live at The Comedy Store — full circle moment. I can die happy.
Q: If you had to describe GO GET IT in one sentence?
A: Charlie Baker presents his 40 years in show business in 90 minutes.
GO GET IT tours over 30 towns and cities, including Richmond, Guildford, Glasgow, Cardiff, and London. Tickets are on sale now.
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
