Born in
Bath,
Somerset as Mark Bailey in 1964.
Although he is best known for his unique brand of surrealist comedy and music, Bill Bailey has also made a name for himself in acting and presenting both in film and television. He was a team captain with Craig Charles on the comedy sci-fi quiz show Space Cadets, hosted by Greg Proops and more recently appeared alongside Brenda Blethyn in the film Saving Grace as well as his more popular roles of Bilbo Bagshot in Spaced and Manny in Black Books, co-starring alongside his once-Perrier award competitor Dylan Moran.
"Nowhere is his virtuosity so literally apparent, however, than on stage, alone, surrounded by the extraordinary array of instruments that he can claim to have mastered; peddling his tightly shambolic, fiercely intelligent and frequently bizarre blend of musical messing and surreal silliness."
- Time Out
Awards
1999: Best Live Stand-up (British Comedy Awards)
1996: Perrier Nomination*
1996: Festival Critics Award
1995: Time Out Comedy Award
* He was the media favorite to win but came second to Dylan Moran in the closest final result of the Perrier Awards history.
Instruments Played
Piano, keyboards, organ, guitar (electric and acoustic), percussion and drums.
Some People Say
"Hugely funny... highly talented." - Time Out
"Excellent one-liners... very, very funny." - Evening Standard
"Frequently hilarious... and a damn good guitarist." - The Guardian