Bailey

On Monday afternoon before the rush hour started, I was driving round in circles like everyone else when ABC radio host Richard Glover introduced Bill Bailey. Along with Stephen Fry Bailey is one of Britain’s funniest comedians. So I headed down to the ABC headquarters on the off-chance he would need a taxi.

Toward the end of the interview Bailey related how he enjoyed the challenge of touring to new audiences. How sceptical American patrons unfamiliar with his work would sit impassively, waiting for the jokes. On air, Bailey mimicked them perfectly, “Okay, buddy, you’ve got five minutes. Make me laugh.”

Shortly afterwards Bailey emerged from the building accompanied by two other people, probably his local agent and publicist. Unfortunately, though, they headed past me to a waiting mini van in front and my chance for an interesting passenger was gone.

On the spur of the moment I called after him, “Oi!” As he turned I raised a hand with fingers spread and said with a straight face, “You’ve got five minutes.”

His eyes flickered and for an instant his face broke into that disturbed, puzzled look for which he is famous. Catching himself he quickly turned and boarded the van, probably thinking cabbie gits are to be avoided at all costs.

No matter, I was cackling for the rest of the shift just at the thought of his wonderfully expressive face. In the following example he uses the device to great effect playing Manny in Black Books...

Further viewing: Bailey on Australia.

Comments

[FrauBudgie]

I'm so glad you posted this! Very, very funny -- and I needed the laugh!

[Stacy]

Oh that is just Awesome!
I was re-watching Black Books on the weekend (with a few drinks as well)
I had no idea Bill was in the country.

Oh and is it wrong to think that Bernard Black could be my dream man? hehe... yes a lil wrong but I cant help it!
Stacy

[Dataceptionist]

I was devastated I was O/S when he was here :(
Funniest ever.

If you're a Black Books fan Adrian, I went to Collinge & Clark, the bookshop they use for the front of Bernard's shop whilst I was in London.
Took a piccie hehehe