Mark Watson
A former Cambridge Footlighter, Mark Watson first made an impact on the comedy circuit in 2002 when he won the Daily Telegraph Open Mic competition andwas a runner-up in So You Think You're Funny?
He has become known for his Edinburgh shows (2005's 50 Years Before Death And The Awful Prospect Of Enternity was nominated for the Perrier) and his gruelling shows that last more than 24 hours. Perrier's successor, the if.comeddies, awarded the panel award for best capturing the spirit of the fringe, in 2007.
Watson won the Chortle award winner for innovation in 2005, when he was also nominated for best breakthrough act, and was nominated for best compere in 2007.
He is also a novelist, with his debut Bullet Points, published in 2003; has written for TV and in 2007 landed his first radio series, Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better.
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Reviews
Mark Watson: Do I Know You?
There’s not many acts who, after playing the Hammersmith Apollo, tell the 2,000 or so members of the audience: ‘If you’ve enjoyed this, you’ve got every chance of becoming my actual friend’.
But Mark Watson’s gift is to be such a natural on stage all concern for the artificial dynamics of stand-up are blown away. It’s become something of a cliché to say of a comedian ‘it’s like chatting to your mate in the pub’, but Watson’s loose approach - commenting on his performance, interrupting his own stories and getting tied up in the moment - genuinely gives that impression, even here, at the biggest gig of his career so far.
There is a trade-off to this casual approach, however, in that it’s more difficult to build a sense of occasion. It’s hard to be wowed by spectacle when the backdrop is a PowerPoint slide Watson has put up without setting the display to full screen. And so inconsequential are some digressions, such as trying to guess which cities foreign audience members are from, that they barely qualify as stand-up. But while Watson might not do much, he does it very well.
read more of this review …
Plus, of course, with such a lax form, Watson can employ his favourite tool: self-doubt. As many laughs come from him worrying about whether he’s slick and confident enough as a comedian as from him fretting whether he amounts to enough as a human, which is the (suitably) vague theme of the show.
Do I Know You? refers to the level of fame he has, with people hazily recognising him from the occasional panel show appearance, some off-peak TV and those Magners Pear cider adverts. His worries over whether he was right to taking the corporate shilling seem real enough, but his assertion that ‘I don’t think I’ll stoop that low again’ is only a joke: He’s done Innocent smoothies and he’s playing second fiddle in an IAMS advert to come…
The first half of this show is particularly casual (‘to soften you up,’ Watson tells the room) as he largely fannies around, trying to make something of the streams of latecomers and those heading for the toilets. I don’t think he’s making them literally piss themselves, just that the audience seem particularly weak bladdered tonight. It’s affable badinage, but not particularly sharp, and we must wait until after the interval for the meat of the show.
Thereafter, poceedings are a lot more focused; as he gets down to business with more hardened, easily identifiable routines about such things as the phrase ‘that took balls’ or observational segments about odd sneezes, all linked to a broad theme about the conventions of social interaction. That extends to his own fears about becoming a dad – not exactly original territory for a comedian, but Watson’s incisive self-deprecation and unaffected honesty give it a distinctive feel.
He’s also got a playful streak, whether in his extreme solution to his sock-drawer problems, or for his reason why he couldn’t be trusted to be the leader of the free world.
Although these routines are well-practised, Watson still makes them feel slightly unpolished, for better or for worse. Now and again a routine could do with being sharpened up, but the relaxed approach underlines his vulnerabilities, which he accepts with genial wit. No wonder you feel like you’ve made a friend…
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Mark Watson Dates
Thu 20 Jun 2013
Book Now- Hackney Empire
- 19:00~23:00
- £20 (£10 concs)
- Brigitte Aphrodite, Josie Long, Kevin Eldon, Mark Watson, Robin Ince
Sun 30 Jun 2013
Mon 1 Jul 2013
Book Now- Tattershall Castle
- 20:30~23:00
- £10 (£8 concs)
- Doc Brown, Mark Watson, Hal Cruttenden (MC)
Wed 7 Aug 2013
Book Now- Bluewater Glow
- 19:30
- £22.50 to £33.50
- Chris Cairns, Jarred Christmas, Justin Moorhouse, Mark Watson, Paul Sinha, Paul Tonkinson
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Series one of his radio show
Crap At The Environment, by Mark Watson A Light-hearted Look At Murderby Mark Watson
Past Shows
Rhod Gilbert And Mark Watson Are Stereocomics Mark Watson: 2005 Years In 2005 Minutes
Mark Watson: 50 Years Before Death And The Awful P Mark Watson's Seemingly Impossible 36-Hour Circuit Of The World
Mark Watson, And His Audience, Write A Novel
Mark Watson: I'm Worried That I'm Starting To Hate Almost Everyone In The World Mark Watson: Can I Briefly Talk To You About The Point Of Life
Mark Watson's 24 Hour Jamboree To Save The Planet
We Need Answers: The Inaugural Festival Challenge Cup Mark Watson: All The Thoughts I've Had Since I Was Born
We Need Answers [2008] Mark Watson's Earth Summit
Mark Watson's Last Ever 24 Hour Show Mark Watson's Unusually Enjoyable Book Launch
Mark Watson: Do I Know You? Mark Watson's Edinborolympics
Mark Watson: The Information Mark Watson (And Friends) Take Control Of The World In 24 Hours Brighton Comedy Festival: Best Of The Fest
Twitter Comedy Night Britcom gala 2009 Mark Watson Do I Know You? tour
Mark Watson: Request Stops
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Older Comments
Douglas Thomson - 22/12/2011
Mark at the Ironworks Inverness had to deal with hecklers - in a non-confrontational manner right from the word go! Jumped off high stage to listen to garbled conversation from a bunch of drunks who honestly spoilt what could have been potentially an evening of great comedy. He never had the opportunity to achieve top gear with his humour,stayed in third, due to their disruptive nature. He persevered and audience appreciated his commitment to maintain some equilibrium to his gig, like a true professional he is. Hopefully he will do a return gig minus-inebriated Cro-Magnon's!
Imad Jafar - 20/10/2010
I feel Mark is one of the best stand-ups Britain has produced. His clever observations on the absurdities of life and his cerebral, charming take on a wide range of subjects makes his act a must-see. His infectious energy and Welsh accent only heightens the hilarity of his material. Watson is truly a force to be reckoned with in the modern world of stand-up.
Misha - 19/08/2009
Mark Watson has broken my mind. I think it'd be easier (post 24 hour show) if the country would all move to New Scottish Time and save us the bother of returning to GMT or BST or whatever the hell time it is
Anon - 24/07/2008
Of course his real voice is good enough for comedic purposes and Welsh or not, he's one of the best comics in the country. I think Noel James is jealous and rightly so, Mark Watson is a star.
Cream Egg - 25/01/2008
Mark puts more energy in to his performance than any other comedian I've seen. His sense of fun is infectious. Highly recommended.
noel james - 18/01/2008
To his credit he doesn't talk in stereotypical ways about Wales. Nevertheless I still can't get over the fact that he never admits that he's not from Wales and does not have a Cymric accent in real life. It wouldn't bother me if it was a character act, but I don't think he is one...it's as if he's using the Welsh voice as he doesn't think his real one would be good enough for comedic purposes. Fine, but just come clean about it. For God's sake I've seen reviewers describe him as the 'best Welsh comedian'!?
Matthew Armstrong - 02/08/2007
Pro's: I saw Marky boy a while ago.. and I though he was absolutely brilliant. Very very funny, made funnier by his accent and expression. 10/10 Cons: I have to wait three months to see him again in London. You must see him!
moomin - 04/07/2007
Saw him for the second time last night. Hilarious. Laughed so hard and loud. again he did the "i don't believe in encores..." but a guy next to me whistled incredibly loud and yelled "encore" for 5 minutes straight and rendered me deaf – but it worked and he was back. Brilliant, I'll definitely be at the next gig and i wouldn't say "no" to attending a 24/34 hour show. my fave comedian at the mo.
Rod Nelson - 31/03/2007
Wonderful radio - unmissable and very clever.
Neil - 26/02/2007
Saw him at the Comedy Store this weekend. He was the best act that night by a margin. The only downer was I'd heard most of the act on Radio 4 a week before but it was still funny, which says something about his abilities. He's kind of a mix of Kevin Turvey and Shadwell but with a very manic performing style.Would definately recommend seeing him
Stan Brewster - 16/02/2007
Mark Watson is indeed a rising star Certainly one of the best you'll see. Trouble is on two occasions (Hemel Hempstead and tonight's show at the Tattershall Castle) he hasn't turned up
aaron pull - 07/02/2007
The best act we have had at the University of Surrey since We Are Klang. So funny - see him!
George - 22/11/2006
Easily the freshest and funniest stand up around at the minute
Jess - 14/08/2006
Mark is just brilliant, his surreal flights of thought are unique and he endears himself to a crowd immediately in his low key, slightly self effacing manner. He's a delight to watch, and I can't wait to see him again.
David Blythin - 14/08/2006
Edinburgh 2006... bloody funny. I'll see him again as soon as I can
Duke - 13/08/2006
Saw him at the Edinburgh Festival this week. The man is a great comedian. Consistantly funny and interesting.
Kevin Driscoll - 11/08/2006
Mark Watson is the funniest man I've seen, just brilliant
Debbie Chapman - 29/07/2006
Saw Mark at the Glee Club in Cardiff, he was absolutely brilliant. I couldn't laugh any more as I had lost my voice! He does talk about everyday things, but its the way he says it. I thought he was a bit like Lee Evans - not in the humour he uses, but the laughs come thick and fast with lots of skill. I'd definitely see him again - highly recommended
Bianca G - 20/07/2006
Saw this guy at the Latitude Festival - he delivers the kind of comedy that brings out the best in people. Perfect timing and great energy.
Stan Brewster - 02/04/2006
Seen him twice,both times as a compere and he is a very funny man. Holds his own alongside any headliners that I've seen and is better than most.
Bananafish - 24/03/2006
Brilliant. Laughed like a chimney, then laughed some more when I saw him compere at Up the Creek in Greenwich, single-handedly rescuing the night from some truly dreadful acts and a broken microphone. Superb ad-libber and improviser. Brilliant timing. A natural.
Ritchie Scurvey - 04/11/2005
The Welsh accent, the slight nerves (which another comment mentioned) and mild confusion at the state of the world explode into a careering, Incredible-Hulk like performance of comic virtuosity.
Jackson - 28/08/2005
Saw him at the Fringe at a new comics night and he had us in tears. He's gotta get to the States. With his charm and accent he would be a big hit over here. We haven't even seen his best yet and we've got to see him again somehow
Megan Hudson - 08/07/2005
Saw him at The Wharf in Cardiff last night. Absolutely fantastic with spot on observational comedy. Come back soon.
Toni Montana - 08/07/2005
The guy is better than most of the crap you see on TV. In the Billy Connolly meets highly-strung escaped mental patient vein (or is that the same thing? and from Bridgend or Bristol too?), he's guaranteed to have you crying with laughter. Excellent at interacting with the crowd too.
Craig - 08/07/2005
Brilliant! This guy knows how to play a crowd. Had us all in stiches. It's refreshing to see a comic who doesnt have to swear all the time to get a laugh. Definitely would see again
Matt Price - 08/07/2005
Mark Watson got two encores in Cardiff and deservedly so. A brilliant comic and a joy to watch. He has made the transition to fully fledged headliner very quickly and it's easy to see why.
Kate - 01/06/2005
A self-proclaimed "pitifully thin" man. but so funny. I laughed so hard my face hurt for a while after. Loveable to the point of no return. Can't wait to see him again at the Fringe.
Paul Sinha - 31/03/2005
A truly brilliant comic mind.Deserves all the plaudits.
LJH - 04/03/2005
Brilliant! His whole set was hysterical and amazingly convincing. Funniest comedian i have seen
Dave - 04/03/2005
Just seen him as support to Lee Mack. A very short, quirky performance with some unbelievably funny set pieces. We liked him.
Jules - 30/01/2005
Absolutely brilliant. Best act I've seen in a long time - certainly destined for tv. Recommend all go and see his class act for themselves...
Clara - 15/01/2005
Absolutley brilliant, everyone was quite drunk when he came on, but he dealt with hecklers brilliantly, made me laught throughout his set, will definately see him again
Matt In The Hat - 17/12/2004
Earlier this year he filled in an extra half an hour as the headline act was delayed. He managed to keep it going marvellously well with the audience laughing like old friends. He came back at the start of December and did a wealth of new material. Very creative, good prescence, great timing. The closest thing I can get to as a criticism is that he seems a wee bit nervous. The guy's brilliant. See him; it'll be like getting two headline acts for the price of one.
Benie - 13/12/2004
Fantasic. A genuinely and naturally funny guy. The best.
Hannah - 20/10/2004
Genius. Dealt with a heckler with such skill, wit and aplomb. Had the crowd on his side immediately - rightly so. Fantastic.
Roisin - 22/09/2004
Mark Watson's 24 hour show was one of the greatest shows (not just stand up) I have ever witnessed. His mind is so very fast - Kitsonesque but sweeter. Also his book is far too good for someome so young A genius who will acomplish much
Brown - 25/05/2004
Saw Mark in Torquay - a typically quiet and difficult audience. He was outstanding - I was dying half way through as he kept the laughter on a role and prevented me from breathing. His offbeat lines and brutal honesty make him the best stand up I have seen in a long time
Alex Wilson - 27/02/2004
Saw him at Salford Uni. Was truly hilarious after main act was ill and he improvised for an hour and a half. A real natural. Very very funny guy indeed.
Rozza - 14/02/2004
A superb comedian, saved the day in salford by ad libbing nearly an hour of material.
Mike E - 08/02/2004
This guy filled in for a collegue when ill at Salford uni the otherday and did about 1h 30mins off the cuff the whole crowd was in a fit of laughter. He's a legend
Mr Gomez - 06/02/2004
Just seen this guy save the day at salford gig when main act winced off stage. Pure trigger happy, ad lib laughs. An un-naturally superb comedian. My cheeks still hurt, the bugger.
Philip C - 13/11/2003
Just this minute seen him at De Hems. Easily the best act of the night. Had us all splitting our sides. Often obvious material but with such excellent delivery that no-one really cares. Will definitely see again.