Bachman was then invited to become part of the regular team behind "Ealing Live!", a weekly live comedy show at Ealing Studios inspired by the format of the American show "Saturday Night is Alive" and the 1980s British comedy shows Saturday Live and "Friday Night Live". He also became a regular fixture on the live character and sketch circuit in London, performing as Oscar Wilde, The James Bachman International Orchestra and Papa Christmas at comedy nights including Oram and Meeten's Club Fantastico, The Book Club, and The Pros From Dover.