Extreme Rambling pt 2

Fellow comic Mark Steel's reaction to his plan to walk the Israeli West Bank wall

More Mark Thomas videos

One of the few stand-ups still to carry the political standard of alternative comedy, Mark Thomas is essentially an observational comic – only his observations tend to revolve around the crusading anti-corporate, anti-greed investigations he undertakes.

He is best known for his campaigning Channel 4 series, in which he employed, Michael Moore-style, televisual stunts to get his message across. But his work also has a serious side: in one episode he got an Indonesian military chief to admit on camera that their government used torture.

Thomas has said his passion for politics was inherited from his father, a builder and lay preacher at Clapham's Nazarene Church, even if he didn’t inherit his Thatcherite beliefs.

He won a scholarship to Christ's Hospital public school, but he would frequently play truant, often to the theatre, before going on to study at Bretton Hall drama college in Wakefield.

There he began performing his own sketches and shows, doing benefit shows for the miners' strike while still a student. After college he worked for his father by day and did stand-up by night until he could turn pro.

In 1992, his Edinburgh show was nominated for the Perrier award – the same year the fizzy water brand was bought by Nestle, one of the corporations Thomas now campaigns against so vociferously.

Four years later, he launched his strident TV programme, which ran for seven years. To this day he continues to be involved in the political causes that so influence his comedy.

Mark Thomas: Walking The Wall
Live Review

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Certainly one of the loudest, wittiest, bravest acts around.

Michael Monkhouse, December 2011

I saw Mark Thomas at the Edinburgh Fringe fest, it was an excellent show, political and funny

Sacha, August 2011

Where could anyone extract any humour from what is potentially tedious subject matter and highly political/religious topic? Mark with his schoolboy enthusiasm for his theme brought it to life in his inimitable personal informative manner that the public have come to know. Like a Jack Russell terrier pursuing its prey, Mark also grabs his subject matter by the "scruff of the neck" and shakes the life out of it! be it good or bad. On a critical note, Mark too much gesticulating arm movements at the start of the evening. Thankfully they became less pronounced as the night went on. Less Dr Magnus Pike/Combine Harvester impression/ University lecturer Audience left both entertained, but more importantly enlightened to what's happening between these nations from a layman's perspective.

Douglas Thomson, June 2011

I went to Primary School with Mark, being in the same class for 5 years! His party trick then was to recite the beginning of the four gospels. Must have been his father's influence! Good on you, Mark!

Chris Ivory, March 2010

The guy's brilliant, and makes you think twice about global capitalism, and companies who manufacture weapons. These companies who help assist death and murder must be shown up for what they are. I, if I was investing money would never have anything to do with British Aerospace, as they have been found to make torture equipment.

Ralph Lawren, August 2007

Saw him at The Shaftesbury Theatre two weeks ago. Brilliant live.

Sarah Davis, April 2007

The man is a genius

Lynda Coates, November 2006

Just very very very funny

Kenny, August 2006

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