From Chris Moyle's Comedy Empire

BBC Three, June 2012

More Mark Watson videos

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.

Mark Watson: Do I Know You?
Live Review

As it has been a little while since I have seen Mark Watson, I wondered if his metamorphosis as a comic has gone beyond ditching his faux Welsh accent. In the back of my mind I wondered if, in the interim, he'd become more assured and less angsty?

As the audience walk in to the venue, Watson is already standing on stage typing on his laptop, making ‘funnies’ that are amplified by three big screens behind him. This seems to suggest the kind of ebullience I suspected and the show hasn't even started yet. When it does, however, I am relieved to find that Watson is neurotic and as erratic as ever.

I buy into Watson's fragmented thinking more than most comics and the reason is because every leap and departure finds a laugh or amusing thought at the end of it. So, it is worth bearing with him as he pretends to be like his hero Derren Brown in divining where in Italy and France some of his more 'exotic' audience members are from, or comments on the more exuberant laughers in the front rows.

I can't blame them for having their funny bone tickled so, as Watson's wild-eyed neurosis is engrossing, warm and witty, almost like a more mobile and expressive Woody Allen but relying more on the force of observational asides than rigid punchlines.

Albeit slightly obscured, Do I Know You?, has Watson worrying about his legacy and his impact on the world, he's no Barack Obama he says, and certainly no Derren Brown, who he worships in almost stalkery proportions. What these men offer that attracts Watson is gravitas: shouldn't we be serious when we know that life is so fragile and that the lingering prospect of death can really put a downer on a picnic?

Luckily, Watson is able to derive some comfort that his job does means something, giving him a platform from which to highlight bad habits (such as people who spit in the street) and so the bitter aftertaste of, say, doing a Magners ad, can be consigned to history.

Watson could have said so much more than he did but what he does say carries with it as much spirit as it does wit and this show has been one of my favourite hours, among many well-spent ones, on the Fringe this year.

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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!

Douglas Thomson, December 2011

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.

Imad Jafar, October 2010

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

Misha, August 2009

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.

Anon, July 2008

Mark puts more energy in to his performance than any other comedian I've seen. His sense of fun is infectious. Highly recommended.

Cream Egg, January 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'!?

noel james, January 2008

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!

Matthew Armstrong, August 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.

moomin, July 2007

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