Charlie Baquet Tickets

Charlie Baquet was a French comedian and actor who is often considered one of the pioneers of physical comedy. Born in Marseille, France in 1870, Baquet began his career in entertainment as a singer before transitioning to vaudeville performances. It was during these early years that he began to incorporate physical gestures and exaggerated movements into his performances, which would eventually become a hallmark of his comedic style.

Baquet went on to become a popular figure in the world of Parisian theater, performing in numerous productions at the Folies Bergère and Moulin Rouge cabarets. He also appeared in several films during the silent era, including the classic short film Les Misérables: Part One - Jean Valjean (1909), which he both directed and starred in.

What made Baquet's comedy so memorable and timeless was his ability to convey humor through physical movement alone. He had an incredible sense of timing and body control, which allowed him to create hilarious scenes without uttering a single word. His trademark facial expressions, exaggerated gesticulations, and acrobatic feats left audiences rolling in the aisles.

One of Baquet's most famous routines involved a parody of a traditional French military march, in which he marched back and forth across the stage in an outrageously over-the-top manner, frequently tripping and falling (sometimes intentionally, sometimes not). Another popular bit was his "Human Typewriter" routine, in which he acted out the movements of a typist in absurdly exaggerated fashion.

In addition to his physical comedy chops, Baquet was also a gifted musician, playing a variety of instruments including the piano, harmonica, and accordion. He often incorporated music into his performances, sometimes providing the accompaniment for his own jokes and sketches.

Baquet continued to perform well into his 60s, though by that time his popularity had waned somewhat. He passed away in 1949 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential physical comedians in history.

While many of Baquet's contemporaries have since been forgotten, his enduring influence is apparent in the work of numerous comedians who came after him. His mastery of physical humor continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, making Charlie Baquet truly one of the greats of comedy.