Coffee, silence and a soak: Víctor Parrado's recipe against the «nonsense» of the world
We sneak into the Barcelona penthouse of the creator of ‘Conscious Comedy’ to discover how he transforms the noise of the stage into a haven of peace with the aroma of coffee.
After so much talk about the future, data and algorithms, we open the door to our most human section of the Real People podcast. «La Portería» is a space where we peer into the homes of people we admire so that they can tell us what the word home means to them and show us their particular way of inhabiting this world.
Today the showman visits this goal Víctor Parrado, creator of the Conscious Comedy, currently harvesting tonnes of laughs with his show Good vibes people in the Goya Theatre in Barcelona. Víctor, welcome to this episode from the Gente Real goal.
What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of home?
The word ‘serenity’ springs to mind.
What smell or sound makes you feel instantly at home?
Well, in my case, it’s coffee. I’m a real coffee lover and when I get home, it always smells of coffee. I mean, either it’s freshly brewed or it’s just about to be made. I love it; it’s my moment of peace and tranquillity, and I love the smell of coffee in my house. Honestly, I reckon I must have been Colombian in a past life, at the very least.
What is your non-negotiable factor when choosing a place to live?
In my case, I always choose a place that's quiet, meaning that there's a lot of peace. Because of my job I'm always surrounded by a lot of noise constantly and getting home for me is about finding a haven of peace and quiet. So the more silent the place is, the better for me.
A great plan at home always includes...
A glass of wine and good background music. For me, it's the best there is.
What song have you had on repeat at home lately?
Well, I’d say that Country Roads by Jottenberg. I don’t know, I’ve got this song stuck in my head and now I’m absolutely buzzing. I reckon I must have been a cowboy or something in a past life, because otherwise I just don’t get it.
How has your experience with estate agents been?
Well, I have to say I’m doing really well, to be honest – I’m very lucky. I found this flat through an estate agent and the whole process has been really straightforward right from the start. I was perhaps lucky enough to come across a very professional agent who made it really easy for me to sort everything out and move in here.
If you could buy anything for your home right now, what would it be? Anything goes!
Man, if I could have a little mini-pool on the terrace, that’d be brilliant. Even if it was just a toy The thing is, I don’t mind either way. I love it – being a typical Cancer, I love having my feet in water all the time. So I’d love to be able to soak my little feet right now in summer, as this heat is unbearable.
How do you imagine the home of the future?
Well, to be honest, not very different from this one I’m in. I mean, somewhere quiet, well-connected, and with good views if possible. I’m currently in a penthouse flat, and going outside really fills me with fresh air and vitality. It’s very calming to be able to get some fresh air on the terrace. And perhaps with a bit more space, because the flat is a bit on the small side. But I’m very comfortable here, I’m really happy, so I’d look for a flat very similar to this one. One that’s well connected and in a neighbourhood with plenty of caliu.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation come from?
Well, the truth is that I’ve loved humour ever since I was very young. Of the three of us siblings, I’m the middle child; I was always the one telling jokes, doing impressions and organising parties. And I found in the world of stand-up and comedy not only a modus vivendi, but a philosophy of life. I think it’s been a calling of mine since I was very young, and I’ve been lucky enough to find this path, to train in it and to have been working in this field for 13 years now.
What do you find most satisfying about your work?
Without a doubt, being able to bring a smile to someone’s face. In this world where we’re all under so much stress, so much pressure and so much tension, being able to create a space where people can forget all that for a little while and smile, and enjoy the moment without worrying too much about what’s going to happen next. It’s just so rewarding. People arrive with a certain energy and leave feeling even better. People who, perhaps during that brief moment, connect with the positive side of everything we’re going through – even though it seems we always focus on the negative. And I think it’s lovely to be able to connect through humour. So in that respect, for me, connecting with people and creating that bond is wonderful.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by human behaviour and attitudes. I love observing how we behave, what the trends are, how we socialise, how we communicate, and how all of this evolves. Human behaviour really captures my attention and inspires me to find humour in everyday life.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
