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Edinburgh Fringe 2006 (548)

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Show Details
Mark Watson's Seemingly Impossible 36-Hour Circuit Of The World
Show type: Edinburgh Fringe 2006
Starring Comic:
Mark Watson

Mark Watson's Seemingly Impossible 36-Hour Circuit Of The World


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Description

Winner of the if.comeddie Panel Prize

Third installment of Edinburgh's best-loved and weirdest cult show. Watson, his brave wife and collaboraters perform for, literally, a day and a half. International theme, fun, hardship. Come anytime.

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Reviews

Original Review:

Show Rating:Mark Watson's Seemingly Impossible 36-Hour Circuit Of The World rated 5/5

There is nothing on the Fringe to match this. Mark Waton's sanity-challenging marathon gig has exploded from the nice gimmick it was conceived as into this, unmissable, unforgettable, addictive phenomenon.

I spent about nine hours there, on and off. That's more than a day's work for many, but less than a quarter of the experience of the indefatigable 40-plus lifers who stayed the course, including Chortle's Dean Love whose live, blow-by-blow account of this brilliant happening is published elsewhere.

Only Mark Watson can instil this sort of loyalty into his audience. The longer these long gigs become the greater the number of people wanting to see it - all sure in the knowledge that magic will happen.

Obvious highlights included Tim Minchin, opera singer Ali McGregor and accordionist Martin White in an awesome performance of Radiohead's Creep; Adam Hills and David O'Doherty recreating a scarecrow version Mark Watson to fill in while the real host popped out to perform another gig; Bernie Clifton binding Watson with Duck tape; Lucy Porter punching Dara O'Briain; Arthur Smith finally turning up with his troupe of Bavarian girl guides and Andy Zaltzman defeating Brendon Burns's seven-year-old son in a stare-off. It's so full of big names, you never know who's going to pop by: Les Dennis, check, the Hamiltons, check, Sean Connery, well, no, but not for want of trying, as a nominated adventurer was sent around to his house and spoke to a relative.

That someone was prepared to pound the streets of Edinburgh in search of an elusive James Bond gives a clue to the real joy of the show. It's not just the big, unforgettable stunts, but the myriad of side projects Watson sets up, keeping his audience hooked on how they might turn out. It also creates a genuine sense of community and co-operation, with people prepared to do anything reasonable for the sake of ensuring these tasks are a success. Or even unreasonable: audience member Gareth Guin spent the entire show travelling to Calais and back, just to see how far he could get and so missing everything that happened in the Pleasance Dome.

Everyone has their role in this endeavour. Watson's is to keep the ideas and the patter going; Tim Key's is to keep the energy up with chants, jingles and a bottomless store of energy, Alex Horne's is to illustrate the show; then there's the balladeer, the artist (who unfortunately retired hurt), the colonials in Australia, the adventurers, the chronicler Anything that needs to be done, will be, and with gusto.

This unique project is so much more than a gimmick, so much more than a show. It's a genuinely uplifting demonstration of the power of collaboration. Watson built an imaginary nation, Watsonia, during the course of the 36 hours. It's a marvellous place to live, and its benign dictator is an inspiration.

Steve Bennett

 
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Comments

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I love this show. Highlight of my fringe and, well, my year.

Emma Jones, August 2006

Eddie Panel Prize Winner - too damn right. This remarkable show is truly beyond compere. Let's hope that as publishers and TV execs bombard this uniquely-talented individual with offers, he still finds it possible to continue with what is the comedy/performance highlight of the year (I suspect he wouldn't miss it for the world). The contributions of all involved lead to elements of brilliance throughout. The word hasn't yet been invented that adequately describes the sum of its parts.

Richard Flanagan, August 2006

Utterly amazing, two of the most wonderful and surreal days of my life. I can't believe I got to see Mark's show, plus exposure to many other great comedians, for so little money. Only wish I'd made it to the last two comedy marathon shows. Won't be missing the next one, although I dread to think how long that one will go on for, might need to bring a sleeping bag

Elaine Docherty, August 2006

Obviously astonishing. Highlights included the many appearances of Tim Minchin (particularly the compliment off), Daniel Kitson commentating on his blockbusters appearance, Gareth and Tom making it to France and back, the videos from the Southern Embassy, the rumour (getting into the Times of Wednesday, breathtakingly), Mark's regular show. But most of all, the genuine friendliness and party atmosphere. The warmth. This show sums up everything the fringe should be. When so many shows are clearly designed as stepping stones for performers trying to get on TV, this show is resolutely about the fringe. The absolute definition of a show where you get out as much as you put in. One that could only work when made by genuinely friendly, open performers like Watson and Key, where the usual barriers between act and audience are broken down. There is a reason that Mark can pull this show off - because he can connect with his audience on a deep level at the same time as commanding their attention. Because he's smart, funny and friendly. He doesn't make you feel like his mate, he IS your mate. If he does another one, I'll be back.

John The Balladeer, August 2006

Loved every bit of it. We are now in recovery position. Bring on the 48hr suicide show.

Chris & Meins, August 2006

Southern Embassy of Watsonia - anthem, videos, odes and controversy. And merchandise, don't forget the merchandise. www.danwalmsley.com

The Embassy Staff, August 2006

I only managed a paltry two hours, but the sight of Tim Minchin and Bernie Clifton duetting on, 'I will survive' was truly brilliant. A great show.

Andy, August 2006

Since I'm stuck in England I missed the entire show. Indeed I was asleep for about 18 hours of it. Yum yum, lovely lovely sleep.

Kev F, August 2006

Just started work after a 12 and a 1/2 hr stint of watching Mark. Enjoyed every minute of it, particularly the aussie/english rap off. By the way have you heard that Adam Hills is a harmless paedophile. Keep going Mark and co and maybe catch you at the end of my shift. Watsonia, Watsonia!

Hayley Douglas, August 2006

Watsonia, Watso-nia! Catchy.

Janet, August 2006

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