The Mighty Boosh
When: 20th October 2016 – 29th January 2017
Where: The Book Club, 100 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4RH
£: Free admission to exhibition. Ticket prices for events vary
What is it?
The Book Club in Shoreditch will become The Boosh Club with a brand new exhibition by designer and photographer Dave Brown of The Mighty Boosh (AKA Bollo). Celebrating a decade since The Mighty Boosh’s first UK tour, the exhibition will feature more than 100 prints and will include illustrations by Noel Fielding.
Although the TV series earned The Boosh its cult audience, the live tour in 2006 was where the raw chemistry between Noel and Julian truly came into its own, unleashing an unparalleled freedom to ad-lib and interact with the crowd, bringing out the best in their beautiful double act. The Boosh Live tour in 2008 broke the world record for seven consecutive nights at Brixton Academy (beating Iron Maiden, The Clash, The Prodigy, Bob Dylan and The Sex Pistols) and saw Boosh Live embark on 99 gigs around the UK and Ireland, and sell out both the Wembley and O2 Arenas.
Dave Brown had a camera in his hands throughout, and his photographs shine a unique spotlight onto the fun, the madness and the relationships between The Boosh collective over this period.
The exhibition will also include contributions from extended Boosh family, Andy Hollingworth, Ivana Zorn, Jake, and hate mail aficionado Mr Bingo.
In honour of the exhibition, The Book Club will be hosting a series of themed arts and culture events, including a Boosh-themed Artist Lock-in, and a Boosh Halloween party where you can drink Baileys from a shoe.
Boosh Halloween Party
On 29th October, The Book Club invites you to a terrifying terrain of evil OAPS, hermaphrodite sea creatures, urban crack foxes and sinister hitchhikers in celebration of The Mighty Boosh. Arrive early as the ground floor will open with Boosh- themed Bingo from 8pm. Using your best knowledge of Boosh trivia, you could win yourself some Boosh-related prizes, and get in the mood for the party by drinking Baileys out of a shoe.
From 9pm the basement club will transform into the murky depths of ‘Old Greggs Place’ with Boosh-themed cocktails and DJS spinning everything from Weather Report to Fleetwood Mac. A hidden room will become The crack fox’s bin bag lair, but keep your eyes peeled as he may try to make you drink blood from a cat’s face.
Be careful, as you wander between the floors, as everyone’s favourite hitcher will be combing the venue with his ‘solo Polo vision’, ready to snare you and ply undiscerning travellers with jellied eels. There are limited £4 advance tickets, otherwise it’s £5 on the door.
More info: thebookclub.eventcube.io/events
Artist Lock-in: Catastrophic Boosh
On 30th October, Wild Above Rule are inviting all creatives to write, produce and perform a live fan fiction episode of the Mighty Boosh in a single day. That means write the script, rehearse it, create the costumes, jot down a tune or two, and then perform it live for an audience. It will be theatrical. It will be probably be catastrophic, shambolic and the best kind of fantastical. Tickets cost £9 (free for participating artist types).
More info: thebookclub.eventcube.io/events
Art Macabre: The Mighty Boosh
On 19th November, Art Macabre invite you to a surreal sketching special. Sketching everything from evil grannies, and Baileys loving sea creatures, to urban crack foxes and sinister Cockneys; to celebrate everyone’s favourite cult British comedy.
Expect tributes by Art Macabre’s models to some classic characters and creations, as well imaginary visions inspired by the colourful and wonderfully surreal world of the Boosh.
All drawing materials are provided and all levels of drawing confidence and experience are welcome. Tickets cost £10 in advance and £17 on the door.
More info: thebookclub.eventcube.io/events
Make Good: Boosh Piñatas
On 9th January, it’s time to get crafty as The Good Empire show you how to make a piñata, with a Might Boosh twist. Whether you choose Old Gregg, The Moon, or Tony Harrison, you’ll leave with your very own colourful tribute to the show. Bring your own sweets to fill your mighty piñata, all other materials will be provided. Tickets cost £15.
More info: thebookclub.eventcube.io/events
Limited edition prints from the exhibition will be available to purchase with a percentage of profits going to the charity Help Refugees.