Mark Watson plans 25-hour comedy gig for charity
So this comedian walks on to the stage and doesn't leave for more than a day...
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It makes sitting in a bath of baked beans look, well, a bit silly.
Mark Watson (pictured) is preparing to do stand-up for 25 hours non-stop to raise money for the 25th Comic Relief.
The comedian will begin his marathon gig at 11pm on 28 February and finish at midnight on 1 March. He has previously performed 24-hour shows at the Edinburgh and Melbourne festivals but vowed in 2009 never to do it again. Then Comic Relief called. “You can't really turn them down,” he tells me.
“They wanted something a bit more underground, an alternative show. It's a not a well-drilled 25-hour comedy gala. I want to keep it reasonably shambolic and unplanned.”
Star guests are expected to drop into the show at London's Pleasance – Tim Minchin and Simon Amstell have showed up in the past – but the bulk of it will be improvised by Watson, who will only leave the stage for toilet breaks.
“The biggest challenge is the voice. After 16 hours, even talking at a conversational volume is a real strain,” he says. Audience members will be encouraged to stay the 25-hour course and to join in with challenges of their own. So far fans have offered to go on 25 dates in 25 hours and to walk from Birmingham to the North London gig during the show.
Further ideas are welcome at twentyfivehourshow@hotmail.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments