Charlie Baker
Published: Tuesday 26th September 2023
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week our visiting comic has a fascinating venn diagram, audience-wise: he's currently travelling the country bringing fans of sport and musical theatre together, like a very niche missionary.
Baker's high-profile jobs in recent years include the lead role in Harry Hill's big Blair project Tony! The Rock Opera, while co-presenting hugely popular shows on TalkSport has become his regular day job. But now the jazz-singing Torquay United fan is back at the old night gig, painting numerous towns red with his own 24 Hour Pasty People.
"This tour show is the show I've tried to write every time I've written a tour show, in nearly 20 years of being a professional stand-up comic," says the jester from the old west (Newton Abbott).
"It's a love letter to my roots. The people and places in Devon, the Westcountry and countryside people. It has a laugh every 10/ 20 seconds, some singing and some VERY sexy dancing. I am absolutely loving performing it."
It doesn't actually last for 24 hours of course - he'll need to be back for the radio at some point. So how does his demographic shape up?
"My audiences are very mixed, all ages, and quite a lot of men who sidle up and whisper they like my work on TalkSport," he says. "Like it's a dirty secret. I like that. There is zero sport in the show and very little about pasties."
Renounce that surname, sir. But now, Charlie Baker, your Random 8 await.
Who was your first celebrity crush - and ever met them?
Kim Wilde. I interviewed her as a grown, very happily married man at Hampton Court Flower Show once. I blushed. I don't blush. I really blushed.
Your greatest sporting moment?
I absolutely love winning a trophy of any sort at any level for anything. I put myself in the position to at all opportunities. Most recently I was on the winning team for the TalkSport Football Trophy. I saved two penalties, including one from Wales international legendary striker Dean Saunders. It was epic.
Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?
My friend Ursula is a clinical psychologist. An expert on human behaviour and the brain. Five minutes in her company I feel like I know myself and the world better.
Do you have a favourite shop?
In my show is a 10 minute bit - including song - about the joys of Trago Mills in Newton Abbot, Devon. If you know, you know. There are three Trago Mills in the UK. Newton Abbot, Liskeard and Merthyr Tydfil. Good places to go if you're on the run.
Who are you most envious of?
People who have a 9-5 job, no ambition, can leave their work at work and enjoy their hobbies.
What's the best thing you've ever bought a ticket for?
Woking v Torquay United in the National League South. Bob Dylan at the London Palladium. Public Enemy at Reading Highlight. All three got me out of my head to a different place.
Which British town should be abolished?
I love British towns. As a lower league football fan, I get to visit a lot of terrible ones. But they all have beauty. Except Milton Keynes. It's got nothing.
What's the greatest invention ever?
Genuinely, the bicycle. I have had many many happy hours cycling. And pasties. You can't beat a good pasty.
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