Mark Watson.
Mark Watson has been somewhat of a stalwart of the MICF; he’s been here several times already and this time round, is endearing as ever. Bespectacled, beardy and oh so English, this import speaks very very fast as though he has so many ideas fizzing around his head he needs to get them out at full pelt within the hour lest he runs out of breath.
Watson’s brand of stand-up humour is the bumbling kind. He makes it seem easy, just riffing on random topics that take his fancy as though he is plucking apples off a tree to inspect and then throw away again once he’s taken a bite or two. But one of the distinguising elements about Watson is that he’s not one of those mean comics; in fact his show is all about trying to understand his fellow humans. So not for him, the fall-back option of heckling latecomers to the front row (even though they were easy prey).
Before the show proper, a number of questions were asked of the audience, including: ‘Your strangest opinion, habit or character?’ Watson uses some of the answers as a springboard for discussion and interactive participation. And on the night attended, an unexpected audience member (a guide dog) was beautifully integrated into the show’s patter.
Watson’s skill, after all is a seamless meld of prepared material and improvisation. The loose thread of empathy runs through this year’s show. He wants to try and work out what is going on in the hearts and minds of those around him, and that includes both audience members and those in his immediate circle of friends and family.
A nervous energy seems to propel him; it’s difficult to imagine this man staying still for long as digresses frequently and ping pongs over a range of topics including shortsightedness, Brexit and Banksy as well as his post-divorce relationship with his (already troublesome) son.
Genial and self-deprecatory in turns, Watson makes the hour go fast indeed and yes you get the feeling he could go on indefinitely.
4 stars ★★★★
The Infinite Show (UK)
Mark Watson
28 March – 21 April 2019
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
