The countdown to Victorious Festival is nearly over, with gates opening tomorrow at 10 am. While headliners like Fatboy Slim, Biffy Clyro, Wet Leg, and Sugababes are sure to draw crowds, one of the weekend’s standout moments will be Shaun Williamson’s performance under the Big Top on Sunday evening. Known to many as Barry from EastEnders, Shaun’s presence promises to be a highlight.

It would be misleading to call Shaun’s current success a “renaissance,” as he has remained a constant in the limelight since his departure from the iconic BBC show. His memorable roles in Ricky Gervais’ Extras and Life’s Too Short further cemented his status as a beloved entertainer.

Shaun is no stranger to Portsmouth. He fondly recalls his time in the city, saying, “I was in Panto last year at the Kings playing Hook, and I fell in love with Portsmouth and Southsea. I honestly had the best six weeks—the theatre was amazing, and the people were great. I really didn’t want it to end, which I very rarely say about a Panto.”

After touring the UK for several years, Shaun is bringing his unique ‘Barrioke’ show to the Big Top. The concept invites audience members to join Shaun on stage, belting out pre-selected crowd-pleasers together. Though the exact origin of the term ‘Barrioke’ remains a mystery to his team, the idea truly took off once Covid restrictions were lifted. “After Covid, there was this massive thirst for live entertainment, and we sort of caught the wave of that,” Shaun explains.

Much like a stand-up comedian refining their material, Shaun has meticulously honed his show. “After the initial performances, we began to get t-shirts made, stage props, and I consciously worked on the patter between songs. We made it a damn sight more professional, and it’s shown, as it’s really blossomed since early 2021.”

Shaun’s love for karaoke dates back to his childhood, holidaying at Pontins parks. As he grew older, he eagerly participated in karaoke nights, often encouraged by friends and fellow patrons. “Encouraged” might be a generous term, as Shaun likely didn’t need much persuading to take the stage.

His journey came full circle in the mid-1980s when he became a Pontins Bluecoat on the Isle of Wight, working alongside Shan Ritchie, another EastEnders alum. Shaun credits this experience with teaching him how to sing and entertain a crowd.

Reflecting on his path to this point, Shaun shared that after working at his local Safeway—nostalgic for those of a certain age—he got involved with a local amateur dramatic society, performing Shakespeare. A chance meeting with Ross Kemp (yes, Grant from EastEnders) at a charity event led him to pursue acting at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. In 1994, just six months after graduating, Shaun landed his breakthrough role as Barry Evans.

“The important thing is, during EastEnders, you become famous; it doesn’t matter if you’re a mediocre actor, you become famous because it’s the biggest show in the country,” Shaun says. “I’m very good at playing Shaun Williamson, which I did in EastEnders and all the stuff with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant—that’s basically what I’m famous for. I knew that acting was never going to be where I shined, and I don’t think I’m ever really going to shine in anything. I’m just grateful to be part of the industry.”

Shaun humbly admits to struggling with accents, acknowledging that he’s not as versatile as someone like Michael Sheen—though, in fairness, Sheen is a generational talent. Throughout his career, Shaun found himself frequently on TV, singing on shows like Children in Need and Red Nose Day, even after leaving EastEnders.

When asked why he believes both he and the character of Barry, who left the series twenty years ago, remain so beloved, Shaun reflects, “I think what it is, every now and again, I get nostalgic for things. I’m the worst actually. I always wish it was yesterday.”

Shaun thought Barrioke would resonate with those nostalgic for those days, but he’s pleasantly surprised by the broad appeal. “We did a gig the other night by the London Eye, and the average age was 23 to 24 years old. Maybe that’s the Ricky Gervais fans, I don’t know.”

A large part of Barrioke’s success is due to Shaun’s small but dedicated team, which includes his Manager Adele and Noel Cornfield. “Noel is the technician—he does all the hard work. He turns up early in a van, works with the festival to set up the stage and timings, does the sound check, signs up the people to sing, and introduces me. Then I come on for an hour and walk off again.”

If you’re hoping to get on stage with Shaun, it’s Noel you’ll need to see. He’ll often be found before the event with a note pad and pen. “Pick a banger—that’s our motto,” Shaun advises. At festivals like Victorious, they’re often oversubscribed, so they have to consider various factors when selecting who gets on stage. “If it’s first-come, first-serve, and someone picks ‘The Drugs Don’t Work,’ then you’re committed to something that might not be right for the crowd. I wish I could get everyone up, but it’s just not possible.”

Shaun has had some memorable guests join him on stage, including Rag’n’Bone Man, Sam Thompson, Pete Wicks, and Sam Fender. “All these wonderful things happen, so I haven’t got a problem if someone jumps on stage and decides to take over. It isn’t about me; it’s about them—they’re the stars of the song.”

“Some people come up, and to be honest, they’re hopeless, but I love their enthusiasm and positivity. So I might take over the song and make it as good as possible. But if they come up and they’re flamboyant and have a good voice, then I’ll just mime or join in the chorus.”

When asked for advice for aspiring entertainers, Shaun offers, “I’m a massive fan of Ian McKellen. But if you try to be Ian McKellen, what’s the point? There’s already an Ian McKellen. The only advice I can give to young actors is: There’s only one you. There’s only one Stuart in the whole world; you are unique, so there’s something about you that you can give to the acting world that no one else can.”

You can catch Barrioke between 18:30 to 19:30 in the Big Top Comedy & Cabaret Tent.

With early bird options now sold out, day tickets are available starting at £83, while full weekend passes begin at £225. Don’t miss out—visit their website through the link below to purchase your tickets and check out the T&Cs.

Website: victoriousfestival.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/VictoriousFestival
Twitter: twitter.com/VictoriousFest
Instagram: instagram.com/victoriousfestival

Photo: Between The Bridges