ED2012 Comedy ED2012 Quick Quiz

Mark Thomas: Quick Quiz

By ThreeWeeks Editorial | Published on Wednesday 11 July 2012

I haven’t actually flicked through the entire archive to check, but I’m pretty sure Mark Thomas is the only person to have ever appeared on a ThreeWeeks cover twice. Needless to say, his Fringe shows are always recommended viewing, and this year’s offering, a theatrical piece about his dad, is a particular must see. But first, the Quick Quiz.

TW: Tell us about your 2012 show in no more than 60 words.
MT: It’s the tale of my dad’s Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and his love of opera. A lighthearted romp through the world of disability, dementia, violence and Rossini. It’s unlike anything I have done before. You really should come and see it… you know, like an old time reviewer that sees shows and writes about it… but you know… up to you. Really very good anyway.

TW: Tell us about another show or performer you’re looking forward to seeing this year, and why.
MT: Daniel Kitson (at The Stand and Traverse). Chris Coltrane (at the Free Fringe). Josie Long (at the Pleasance Courtyard and Free Fringe). Because they are some of the most interesting performers around.

TW: How will you be preparing for the Fringe this year?
MT: Rehearsing the show and packing clean clothes into a suitcase and buying a train ticket.

TW: What advice would you have for someone coming to the Fringe for the first time?
MT: Don’t read reviews, even the good ones will piss you off. Go and see lots of other shows. Eat lots of fruit. Visit North Berwick. Hire a bike.

TW: If your show was an Olympic sport, what would it be and why?
MT: Curling, because it couldn’t give a fuck what people think of it.

Mark Thomas performed ‘Bravo Figaro!’ at Traverse Theatre at Fringe 2012.

LINKS: www.markthomasinfo.co.uk

Photo: Idil Sukan