Interview 5: Noel Fielding on The Mighty Boosh

The readers of The Velvet Onion sent in their questions for Noel Fielding and Noel very kindly permitted us to ask them. Here he answers questions about The Mighty Boosh.
Thanks to everyone who got involved and a big thank you to Noel for his time and patience.
www.thevelvetonion.com

[@jamieangel3766]

The thing is, for the past nearly 20 years I've been able to watch the Mighty Boosh over and over again and over. And still laugh and love it.

[@NickellessCageless]

"shikkashikakaa shikkakaaashiia ow man my hats on fire!! What's wrong with you..." -The Spirit of Jazz

[@Lee_303]

​@@NickellessCageless how dare you, you cleft 😄

[@SongJLikes]

If you love the show at first, you will always love the show… If you don’t love the show at first, you will never love the show

[@michellehills9647]

Me too, if ever i’m feeling down, i get out the Boosh dvd’s ❤

[@ShinigamiComplex]

Oh my god, the ad I got on this video was for Bailey's Irish cream.

[@ADHDSUZUKI]

I got an advert for a shoe

[@josh0g]

Lakuppiipu Mine was for Windy Blast Fast.

[@luiseyrechannel]

mine was for a club where people wee on each other

[@soda_king]

Luis Eyre i use adblock so no weird white people bailys sex 4 me k thnxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[@josh0g]

IAMSPLITTONGUE Everyone was enjoying the joke... then you came along. thanks for keeping it classy.

[@steggosaurus23]

He bigs up Julian so much and it’s so sweet, people don’t credit him enough

[@JoannaRevelleCreative]

if the Boosh crew did a Kickstarter, a film & album would be funded IMMEDIATELY

[@happy_mask_salesman]

Id personally put my life savings towards it :P

[@MrBaronCabron]

Honestly the boosh style of comedy makes me cringe a little looking back and I was the biggest fan. Had all the dvds even saw them live. I don't think it'd resonate as much now a days (even though this comment I'm replying to 6 years ago). It was definitely a product of its time.

[@neilsun2521]

@@MrBaronCabron The '00s were a happier time. If the Boosh came back again it'd probably have to be too mainstream / PC etc...

[@bellemusecore]

That or patreon. This kinda thing is literally why these systems exist 😍

[@YesMrMrThisIsShe]

Honestly please and thank you. Yes!

[@MikkiJoeRingtail]

I love how much he fidgets and moves around. That poor camera person, having to try to keep him in frame, haha.

[@Tremonster261]

I was so surprised when the Boosh just kind of fizzled out. I mean this show was absolutely massive. I remember the anticipation when season 3 was about to air, seemed everyone was talking about it. My honest feeling about it is that maybe they were starting to run out of ideas. The show really hit its peak with season 2 and I’m sure I remember Noel saying at some point that they try to never use a character more than once. However is season 3 we saw the return of the hitcher character from season 1 and in season 3 there was probably a bit of an overuse of the shaman council and especially Tony Harrison. It didn’t bother me as I find them all hilarious, but I just wonder if the pressure of the success was hindering their creativity by the end. All that aside, the Boosh is timeless. Julien and Noel were a superb double act and I thank them for what they created and for providing so many laughs.

[@Vailover4ever]

Not only his voice, but his laugh; love his laugh so much, nothing at all to hate about Noel.

[@GirlPantsProductions]

This is the one thing I want to ACTUALLY get a sequel. Why do we get Transformers 4 but not The Mighty Boosh Movie?

[@floragosling84]

Girl Pants Productions But image if they did a bad film, like so many television shows before them? it'd be heartbreaking.

[@cordeliapalmer5800]

+Flora Gosling They wouldn't, though. That is why there hasn't already been one. If they make one, it will be for all the right reasons. They will write it together the way they wrote each episode of the Boosh. They wouldn't be doing it for the money or the pressure to make a film, they would be doing it for themselves and for their fans. Both Noel and Julian have experience doing long shows, both have been in movies, and they know the Boosh more intimately than anyone. Any Boosh movie they may make will be a triumph because it really matters to them. I hope it happens. So, so much I hope it happens.

[@floragosling84]

Cordelia Palmer I'm not sure, things may be too different from the TV show, things that can't be helped. Like the budget would, presumably, be larger, and part of the Boosh's charm was the fact that it was cheaply done (same with many of the best comedies). They may also try too hard to include all their favorite characters (old greg, the spirit of Jazz, Bainbridge) and it might end up being a bit of a shambles. If they did make a film I think I'd be too scared to see it.

[@cordeliapalmer5800]

I believe they would do it right. I think a larger budget would just allow for better quality cheap-looking props. If you watch other interviews with Noel, he talks about how important the cheap appearance is to the show, so I highly doubt a higher budget would make them lose that. I also know that Noel and Julian are great writers and brilliant comedians, so they know what is funny well enough to not include characters for the sake of bringing them back. Any characters brought back would be done so intelligently and carefully. And, as they write for themselves primarily, they would do what they thought was funny and not bring characters back simply because they were popular. I have enough confidence in the brilliance of Noel and of Julian to not doubt for a second that a Boosh film would be spectacular. If you like, though, if they make one, I can watch it first and then tell you if it is great or, however unlikely it may be, if it is rubbish. Haha.

[@ronaldtheant]

Girl Pants Productions Julien Barrat looks pretty old... I don't think he can play Howard anymore

[@lav_wren]

i love noel so much. his and julian's chemistry, both on and off screen. they really come across as platonic soulmates.

[@cryingonion2]

what a lovely bloke

[@cat_in_a_sock1948]

i swear noel has the most goblin energy, just climbing around and changing angles and nattering

[@kevinbouley1075]

That insinuates negativity though which I don't feel

[@user-yr7ul7pj1t]

@@kevinbouley1075 He’s a very nice goblin

[@xCoNa14]

probably drgs

[@mrbrokenmonkey]

I can still enjoy Mighty Boosh. I feel like it'll be one of those shows that will remain enjoyable, along with the radio/live show, for a long time to come. If not forever. I presume forever though. :)

[@michaelcollier1053]

It will always be timeless. It's so original and wild and strange and has all these crazy plots and characters . Theres nothing offensive just craziness and also theres no other show to compare it too apart from the other one noel did so it's kind of in it's own genre of comedy so I think if you liked it originally you will always like it

[@crystalyana9533]

I didn’t realize how humble Noel really is!! I like him❤️

[@limbobilbo8743]

I like how the more I watch noel it becomes clear that the way vince talks in the show isnt even a character thing he just actually talks like that

[@SarahGurl211]

Whether you enjoy his talents or not, you have to admit he's probably the nicest and most humble people out there. Bless him. :) x

[@Purplefishish]

I was just thinking the same thing. I find him hilariously funny as well as I find myself really liking this guy

[@kennethmatthew9638]

SARAH656 he's a better actor than most actors in Hollywood. anyone who was in a transformers movie .

[@mikewilliams8951]

Kenneth Matthew he is a Coked up Twat !!!!

[@spodergibbs5088]

mike williams and?

[@Hjarrun]

All the boosh lads just seem like top blokes

[@CherryBlush313]

YEAH! If Noel tried to do a kickstarter for a Boosh film, people would donate within seconds.

[@claireglendenning1]

Oh my gosh! Those eyes!

[@ECproductions91]

His hair is magnificent...

[@HaiImKush]

His hairs always on point haha 😂

[@katiebates6134]

It is the root boost!

[@j0nnyism]

Hai Im Kush his nose is deffo on point

[@bbbushhh]

Gotta like Noel...comes across as a decent fellow.

[@MullanMedia96]

I think they just need to make one last "something", not even for the fans, but just for the sake of the show. It's so bizarre and kind of sad that The Boosh evolved over a decade taking on so many forms and reaching heights they never thought it could achieve until it just... stopped. It's like an unofficial ending. I was watching the "Making Of" of Season 3 and at the end, Julian and Noel hug eachother and Julian says, "3 down". But that's all there ever was, it just sort of fizzled out. It would be nice, just for the sake of its legacy, to give a proper ending and have a little bit of closure on the whole thing.

[@nataliesnape8642]

@@charlotte_sometimes_ I want to know too😩😩

[@YesMrMrThisIsShe]

I hope I never get closure with the mighty boosh. I think that maybe a thing of it. You know? "This is the song that never ends" If I'm ever in a sad place->put on Mighty Boosh Tripping and feel as though you are headed to negativity-> Put on Mighty Boosh

[@YesMrMrThisIsShe]

Stronger than a moose

[@abccoy]

American fan that discovered this show on KZbin. Love this show. Cool to see that they are friends as a lot of shows don't end up that way. Wish they would make a movie.

[@DoogleLawless]

I was thinking to myself "what can I watch whilst I eat my müller apple rice pudding?", and then I spotted Noel Fieldings little cheeky face in a thumbnail. Needless to say the two are a near perfect combo... Seriously guys, eat a müller apple rice pudding and watch this video. It's fantastic.

[@findon2467]

Doogle Lawless this is just so incredibly specific hahaha

[@KC_Lake]

Thanks I want to try this just have to wait a few hours for the shops to open first

[@bellemusecore]

@@KC_Lake did you get one?? My this is a cliff-hanger!

[@johnnyw525]

Awww.. that mutual admiration and respect between Julian and Noel are what made the show so great. I'd love to see them do a really lowkey double act again.

[@nevervaccinated9624]

The mighty boosh is such an amazing show. i miss it.

[@starlollie]

He looks really healthy and happy.

[@j0nnyism]

Yea he went through a fat old women phase

[@Rossboe1]

He said it himself, the group is more powerful. What a great show the Mighty Boosh was. I think Julian, Rich and Noel together as one make magical comedy. Not discounting the other two, but lets be honest. Please do one more season.

[@CMDR_Scorpion]

Noel is such a nice guy... "im luck i got to work with Julian" what n amazing humble thing to say.

[@surfguy7418]

No Noel you're wrong, you can always re watch good comedy over and over again, just like a good song

[@Lee_303]

I think he means Boosh 1 was a spring board for 2, was a spring board for 3 etc.

[@TerriSmith87]

he makes me melt

[@kimberlymueller6580]

dude! he is so modest!

[@Logitah]

I just love this guy and I want to have tea with him and talk to him. He just....AAAAAWWW!!!!

[@KMWeir]

Beautiful, Noel. You have influenced things here in the States. I heard of you because of internet comedic duo Rhett & Link. The two shared their love of Boosh several times a few years ago. they have the most You Tube views of all time (in the billions with 12 million subscribers). Many of their fans have since watched Boosh and love it! I think a movie would be fantastic and get lots of love from the US!

[@patrickodonnell1055]

Thank you Noel for a million laughs. The Mighty Boosh forever

[@EveryoneIsFightingSomeBattle]

Who's Old Gregg trying to fool - dressing up as a human and going by "Noel"......... I'm not falling for it.

[@j0nnyism]

Old Greg’s skins looking very pink these days

[@diddyKite2010]

My friends and I watch the Boosh over and over. I bet millions do. We want more Boosh.

[@SairAerwyn]

I simply can't resist: I'm Old GREEEEEEEEGG!

[@SSp4rr0w]

Boosh is timeless! I wish there was more true talent leaves you wanting more

[@ThelouwseFD]

Noel is just an amazing guy !And the way he talks about Julian is just the sweetest thing !Oh my god, I love the boosh so damn much !

[@angiecuteass]

I listen to your comedy over and over again, no worries, like one of my favorite songs.

[@AineKnees]

I wish they would come back to do a film and release the album! The Mighty Boosh doesn't get old.. such a great double act with so many funny supporting characters.

[@VS3d0v]

This show made my life better.

[@ViciousCritter]

i like how much noel moves and so they have to keep adjusting the camera every few seconds xD

[@flossday1529]

me and my friends have been trying to write a sketch show and also a series and the boosh is the main thing that has inspired us along with luxury comedy and the IT crowd and the fact that they put in silly little ideas into their shows has helped a lot because we always thought that if it was silly it wouldn't work but now we've started writing it does

[@benx6549]

How did it end up?

[@christschinwon]

He hit the nail on every level. Respect. The Boosh is my go to surreal feel goodness!

[@octaviancaesarhibernicus4447]

the show had the ability to go to any level of surreal craziness, surely they had more in the tank!

[@louthesz]

Have never known some much of a "bonding" between Boosh fans - nothing else in comedy really compares; someone makes a reference, someone has a Boosh song as their ringtone, and you have this instant warmth, I think it's because it's comedy on a very high plain - any one of us would pretty much know who would like it and who wouldn't, which makes it something quite personal and unique. Comedy needs to the Boosh right now, nothing compares, not even Luxury comedy......c'mon lads, make it happen, our sanity depends on it..........! (or not as the case may be...!)

[@MythicSuns]

+Lou Thesz i gave luxury comedy a watch...i felt it was too surreal, to me it just felt like i was watching noel say random crap to random crap which normally i wouldn't mind since he does that plenty of times in the boosh but the difference between Luxury Comedy and The Mighty Boosh is the fact that The Mighty Boosh felt a bit more stuctured, it had what i'd call the Samurai Jack structure (not because Samurai Jack did it first but because it's the only show of the top of my head that i can think of that uses this structure), basically the Mighty Boosh does have connected episodes and a sort of ongoing story but at the same time you can watch any episode at any point in the series without feeling like you're missing something important

[@legoroan9866]

Lou Thesz boosh fans have Gary Numan's cars as their ringtone

[@chaossmith3864]

@@legoroan9866 TBH I was mildly obsessed with that song before I ever saw The Mighty Boosh. x3

[@BRAVENEWORDERFILMS]

6 years later, and you couldn't be more right. Salute from Vegas🔥

[@philpheburbs]

this is such a lovely honest interview

[@MarkyPaine]

I have withdraw symptoms. I need more boosh!

[@MayankSharmaTheAtheist]

No season 4 for the Mighty Boosh? This is an absolute outrage!

[@ryazbeck]

This makes me so happy!

[@5MinuteEarth]

I admit that the reason for their initial popularity was an original comedy style, yet when the Boosh reached a certain level of popularity, the look and personality of Noel Fielding brought about a huge influx of female followers. It is because he is NOT an "adonis" that adds to his charm. Check out NME, of which Mr Fielding has been featured many times. It is a publication full of "alternative" males that have garnered a lot of attention from females for not being the classic male archetype.

[@ajramanonov344]

Love how says you can more abstract in music...he is the most abstract comedian out there

[@KKAkuoku]

The fact that Noel loves Vic Reeves' club singing just makes me like him more!

[@bygxproplay2176]

I really wish they would bring back the Boosh. Even just for another season.. Even one more episode.. #BringBackTheBoosh

[@morriman0987]

I listen to the radio show over and over again.

[@crowmack]

I remember this when it came out, really natural and charming.

[@meltheofcgamergirl]

What an awesome artist. Good work, good 'tude. I dig it.

[@InfiniteSpiral112358]

(cont) in a way, i think that the pure hilarity, and it is genius hilarity, kept me going. i have a bit of the artistic in me and i watched all of those episodes over and over. i didnt really have anyone close to me at the time to support me there, so in a way, it was The Boosh that took on that role. but hey, i am alive. the dysautonomia is not severe now, i dont need to be in hospital, but i am not really well either. anyway, MUCH THANKS to The Boosh for keeping me inspired and not giving up.

[@zilbe333]

I loved the Boosh sooo much! pls make new episodes or film pls!

[@BelatedCommiseration]

Its amazing to think of Noel Fielding as being the age he is and something of an 'senior' comedy figure these days! I like the Boosh, but I still think of it as being a small, creative, thing, but actually it got quite big for a time. Noel seems to be talking about some things a lot in the past tense, almost as if he is not quite as friendly with Julian these days...which I hope is not true.

[@ElizabethC109]

Thanks TVO, this was a brilliant interview! I really hope the album does get released at some point...

[@TheLindsayPlease]

Thank you so much for this. Making me feel like an old git, but I do love those boys. Can't believe how much they've seen me through, even if they don't know it. Thanks Noel and Julian

[@TheCraigy1969]

I worship his hair....

[@j9andphoenix]

I seriously don't think mainstream America would get Noel at all. Even if you look at British Comedy series that were 'taken' the the US - Americans make their own take on the series which almost always misses the point of why the English version was so great. The Office is a good example of that - the US made a version which missed so much nuance it might as well have been a different show altogether.

[@jenniferjuniper6914]

+j9andphoenix I just started getting into the Mighty Boosh and the first thing I said was this would have never made it here. haha

[@jenniferjuniper6914]

+j9andphoenix (Side note, I love the American Office, but I agree it's totally different. But that's OK to me.)

[@j9andphoenix]

+Jennifer Juniper Hahahaha - US humour just doesn't do the weird out there stuff of UK comedy - they wanted to do a US version of Ab Fab too - I don't dislike the US version of The Office but is is definitely coming from a very different place. Interesting that Ricky Gervais ultimately has a good career in the US anyway - though they felt rather uncomfortable about his recent hosting of the Golden Globes. Glad you like Noel's take on the world - wonderfully surreal :)

[@RodM.Peters]

+j9andphoenix - I absolutely agree and I don't want to see yet another fantastic Brit show ruined by trying to accomodate to American sense of humour. I'm not British but I have to acknowledge that the Brits excel in comedy, music and acting like no other people. Funny how the Brits themselves still think that making it in America is the tops, and this sometime leads them to sell out and loose what made them special and brilliant in the first place.

[@j9andphoenix]

+Rod Bergteufel I guess for some projects, like The Office, they paid big bucks for the 'brand' -nothing works more than big bucks. Comedy is a precious thing really - there is really no middle ground - it is hit or total miss. I can see that the US version of The Office would have a wider appeal for US viewers - but as Jennifer Juniper replied to me - the thought of Ab Fab done in the US is mindblowingly hideous!

[@aidancaughran]

I could watch the Boosh over and over again.

[@bradameerbeg6422]

2:25. It happened because the world needed that kind of lunacy.

[@SmakoSmell]

There will always be time for an animated Mighty Boosh

[@odaydrums]

Best synopsis of the Boosh really. I wish all of them the best.

[@mrmisterman999]

"double acts are quite powerful" makes me think of key and peele

[@RockismyAir]

MrMisterMan or Noel and Russell

[@indigenous7046]

I still watch it.

[@InfiniteSpiral112358]

truly, i was very ill a few years ago, and i spent about 8 of 12 months admitted to hospital. the doctors did not really know how to stop what was happening, i have dysautonomia and basically there isnt much the doctors can do... they told me that if my nervous system did not find a way to balance itself out, or heal on itself, it could be fatal. i was terrified and in the hospital constantly. but the ONE thing that could always make me laugh was The Boosh. (cont)

[@donjames1903]

One day in 2009 I was watching adult swim on Friday nite with a blunt and a 40oz , the mighty boosh came on , the rest was history .

[@NilesCooper]

What an absolute legend

[@sufc1997hb]

its never too late for anything mate always strive for what you truly want

[@dennisjohansson5716]

We just definately need more of the boosh! Please consider it if you ever see this!! :)

[@tsuobachi]

It's true we all wanted more, but what if had all become terrible like so many things that didn't end while they were still at their peak of quality? I'm just happy that we got what we did, because there is nothing else like it and it gives us all the warm fuzzies every time.

[@bluelamp8183]

Agree completely - I think it's best that Boosh never jumped the shark!

[@danaedwards4151]

Ugh I fucking love Noel❤

[@j0nnyism]

Better not tell his wife that

[@danevandenheuvel321]

Noel is far more intelligent than anyone thinks..

[@soddingowl]

Really lovely and interesting interview, thanks!

[@charli.buttermilk]

What a brilliant man. I miss the Boosh so much!

[@suska2012]

the best show ever.nothing better than mighty boosh

[@davedoom60]

great insight into this wondrous creation

[@cureme07]

50 minutes of noel!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you Velvet Onion! this is the most insightful, heartwarming, inspiring interview with noel ive ever seen!

[@LusciousTwinkle]

Come on Julian!!!! Surely you need to do something now....you have no idea what you mean to people!!!

[@parakeetsparakeets3972]

Even still now in 2019!!!

[@adamlucas2203]

Check out some of his other work. Mindhorn and Flowers are both great

[@laurastarbrook1308]

Please God do Mighty Boosh anything here in America 🥰 I love all your shows, you all are so awesome.

[@MB-tz6yc]

Such a great and unique show. Was defo a comedy of the time and I don't think it would be as popular nowadays 😅

[@tvroped9824]

Absolute legend.

[@M1STYWORLD]

Bring it back we got a new gen waiting 😉

[@YesMrMrThisIsShe]

Thank you so much for sharing 🤗

[@lazerbean]

So Noel said that you say a joke once and then poof it’s gone and you can’t tell it again. I can’t tell you how many times I have watched or listened to mighty boosh radio show since 2006. And it still makes me laugh and smile, and I still quote many of the jokes and Crimps to other fans and also people that have never watched it! Crimps are the best!

[@mordaciousfilms]

I really hope they go ahead with a movie, and release the music album! I need full versions of those Boosh songs.

[@user-cb1vs3hv4g]

I loved my bush the first time round saw you at the O2 live absolutely amazing. I am now we live in the mighty Boosh gang introducing it to my kids. It was amazing show as you did a Watch and again and again Angie

[@GM-nq4hb]

MIGHTY BOOSH IS A GLOBAL TREASURE

[@sirdzl7105]

4:41 very well said, quite prophetic

[@Cinthria]

I guess if it were up to me, Noel would probably be the first and only person I could say this whole month I've related with at all. From what I see in him as a human, he's beautiful. But then again, I only ever seen the few things I've watched..

[@r.g.9717]

I wish I could have been on the set. I feel like it would be chaotic but calm in the best way.

[@InvincibleStarGirl]

Yes please release the album and do a movie! I was introduced to the Boosh late as I'm only 16.

[@Ghelimir]

"I love comedy, I'm obsessed with comedy." I feel ya . . . Trying to make something that is funny more than once is the hardest science there is.

[@chloesmith3119]

Wonderful, as always.

[@mrmisterman999]

boosh was the best series, always gona miss it