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This review covers the 3 TV series of “The Mighty Boosh”, excluding radio , books, live performances, and DVD extras such as commentary.
“The Mighty Boosh” sits between surrealist and situational comedy; the show focuses primarily on the relationship between Howard Moon, a man frustrated by lack of recognition for his self described seemingly varied but utterly questionable talents; and Vince Noir, a younger man obsessed by fashion, trend and having a good time. Howard is sometimes referred to as “a jazzy freak” while Vince is “made of sunshine.”
Season one is set in a zoo where both work as keepers; season 2 is a series of expeditions to invented landscapes for far fetched adventures; and season 3 sees them return to a more traditional static venue, this time running a shop above which they share a flat with the shop’s owner, the shaman Naboo (who previously ran the zoo first aid point), and his talking gorilla companion, Bollo (who was previously owned by the zoo).
The majority of characters in the show are played by the 5 male leads – Noel Fielding, Julian Barratt, Rich Fulcher, Michael Fielding and Dave Brown. This includes some female and/or transsexual/transgender roles – it is not always clear what the gender intention is, nor is it necessary to know.
A small number of additional roles are played by women.
I could find no formal research on the fan demographic of The Mighty Boosh. Kim Manning, programming director at Adult Swim, felt
“The Mighty Boosh” was “just unusual and unique” enough to attract the young men Adult Swim covets, as well as viewers who think like them. “It’s more about a mindset than an age,” she said. “It’s more about the psychographics than the demographics.” (1)
One might hazard a guess at female fans of Mr Fielding - stage show videos would suggest this is a significant part of the fan base - in addition to the young men mentioned above. The show also promotes a drug culture with reference to hash browns, skinning up and peyote.
As a women with an interest in gender studies I am primarily interested in what the show demonstrates in its treatment of women, who are also likely to form a large part of the fan base.