Julian Barratt
The beauty of the Might Boosh as a blueprint for future performers is that they had to work their way up through different medias to get a TV show and they delivered every time. Most stand-up comedians are wondering when they are going to get a call from a TV producer for their television show, but the truth is it will never happen; or at the very least very, very unlikely to happen. It didn’t happen to the comedians of the Might Boosh. Instead they went from stand-up comedy to a stage show, on to radio, and then finally their television show (Maybe a film in the near future).
Barratt vs Fielding (why I choose Barratt)
While I enjoy both Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding, I wanted to look closer at Julian Barratt’s life because of two reasons.
- He is older and was older when he started comedy, which as an older performer, gives me hope for my future.
- I feel I can relate more to him in character (both on and off stage). I am not a hyper person and being outgoing is a common state for comedians and performers. Seeing this in Julian, makes me naturally more interested in his process of getting on TV with the Boosh because it means I have to consider similar choices.
Julian Before the Boosh
Before the Boosh, Julian was a stand-up comic. In 1995 (Age 27) he won an Open Mic Award in Edinburgh. I could not find data on when he started comedy, but I assume if it was an open mic award, he would have to be only a year or two that into performing. At the very least he must not have been doing it full time in order to be eligible for Open Mic statues. With his stand-up he also did TV appearances. From his filmography (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1027986/ ) list it is easy to tell Julian was really trying to get into film and television. He did a British TV series in 1996, a different one in 1997 (only one episode), and another in 1998.
The meeting
Julian met Fielding and did their first show together in 1998 (Julian Age 30). They called the show Mighty Boosh (the stage show). They created new shows every year around the same characters until 2001 (Julian age 33) where they first broadcasted the Mighty Boosh British Radio Show. It wasn’t until 2004 that the TV version finally aired (Julian age 36).
Recently, they have returned to the stage doing live versions of episodes and are supposed to be working on a movie with other projects separate from the Boosh. I would love to see the new stage show live or on video.
Funny man
According to an interview (http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2001/aug/31/features11.g2) Julian does not consider himself funny in real life. Separating oneself on and off stage is something I can relate to. When I was on America’s Got Talent, Pierce asked me how I would describe myself, instantly I answered, “antisocial”. It is true for me being on stage is my social time. It is as if I need the stage to have permission to be funny, outgoing, entertaining, etc. The rest of the time I am really a bore.
Like when I write blog posts! So come on back to jasonloveslife.com and hear more exciting tales of other people’s lives and Jason trying to come to grips with his own life….. This is a cry for help, so good night.
