BBC Comedy On The Fringe 2011

With Isy Suttie

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Charlie Baker: Fringe 2012
Live Review
Pleasance Courtyard

What a joy this show is, so far the most laughs I’ve had in a comedy show this Fringe. If that seems curiously lowbrow and unintellectual, sorry, but it is comedy, it’s not unreasonable to expect to have a good laugh or be delighted with a turn of phrase.

This year, it seems simply entertaining a crowd with a high gag rate is out of fashion. so what a relief that Charlie Baker doesn’t give a stuff about fashion.

It’s quite a humble show – a comedian being grateful for his charmed life and being lucky enough to do what he does, thanks to the early doting support of his family and then his wife, it’s a happy story. And it is an absolute romp, with some shout-with-laughter moments, as he paints himself as a bit of a narcissistic arsehole, for which you readily forgive him.

And humble though he is, his confidence in his own abilities was very reassuring, he takes the responsibility for his audience having a good time, there was no suggestion that we might not get this until later. It made me realise how often the diffident, self-deprecating approach of other acts puts pressure on the audience to put the performer at ease. That is the wrong way round.

He greeted the audience professionally, explained that it would be an autobiographical show and then didn’t stop entertaining the crowd with stories of family squabbles, first kisses, school, dance, marriage, an easy anecdotal hour with callbacks and a great gathering of strands at the end.

There’s no moment of instant added sincerity or a plea for world peace, just a solid, uncontrived hour of stories and routines that leave you in no doubt that you’re in the company of a good all-round entertainer.

Unusually I didn’t check my watch at all during this, and the hour seemed packed with warmth and humour. Remembering that audiences pay to watch these shows, unlike reviewers, they absolutely get their money’s worth from Charlie Baker.

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We saw Charlie at Manchester Comedy on 4th November. He's good even though the rather inebriated audience were very badly behaved.

David Shaw, November 2011

Not heard of him before but just seen him on ITV4s Beer & Pizza Club. His comedy was tired and unintelligent. The other guests seemed a bit embarrassed. He couldn't shut up either, talking over everyone. Overall, a bad impression was made.

Phil Edgar, September 2010

Saw Charlie at Latitude and this weekend at Big Chill. The Latitude tent was an impossible task which he had a good go at, getting 3 or 4 rounds of applause and the crowd definitely on his side in the row with the idiot in the audience.At the Big Chill he was on with Rob Deering in his music quiz which was excellent fun.He was very funny but should just sing more!

James Buck, August 2010

Saw him at edingburgh highlights last weekend. He was awful he just sang and shouted at everyone, no jokes whatsoever, rubbish

Jim Shaw, May 2010

Very funny, very engaging and probably one of the best MCs I have seen. His routine about Newton Abbot cattle auction is silly and yet incredibly funny

Alex Thorner, March 2010

Charlie Baker is fabulous, his act is so funny. Great all round entertainer. Everyone should go see him!

Rachel, January 2010

Saw Charlie at The Stables in Milton Keynes this week. He spent the first half of his set trying to 'work' the audience. And failed miserably. He then went on to his set material(which actually wasn't bad) but he had lost the two back rows by that stage, and they just sat there chatting, which annoyed everyone, including him.

Jo Phelan, November 2009

Can't believe the dreadful review Charlie got at this year's Fringe! We saw him and thought he was absolutely brilliant. He's a naturally funny guy and had the audience we were with in bits. Must have seen 10 comics at this year's Fringe and he and Terry Alderton were the best.

Ade, October 2009

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