Martin Charlier

Kiki l'innocent, the character most Belgian listeners know Martin Charlier by, began life as a radio chronicle on Un cactus dans le waterzooi, the morning show of Vivacité, where Kiki presided over a supporters' club. The figure grew big enough to carry a stage show of its own, Kiki mouille son maillot.

Before Kiki, Charlier had spent years writing solo shows: Déjà tout p'tit..., Il faut qu'on en parle !, Un jour avec Martin, Crise de mauvaise foi and Morceaux choisis. His first real recognition came from comedy festivals, with the public and press prizes in Bierges and further awards at the international festival in Rochefort. Television work took him from Signé Taloche and Comic'Hôtel to double acts with Jérôme de Warzée in Les Cariocas sociaux and La Tribune, and then to Le Grand Cactus, where he plays a rotating cast of workers such as a farmer, a postman and a station master. He also crossed the border for several appearances on On n'demande qu'à en rire on France 2.