Bouncing between new jokes, ‘Simmons classics’ and sharp audience interaction, Mark’s 50-minute set is a fast, clever crowd-pleaser. With a slick mix of expectation and word play he ‘ticks’ his successful jokes on his clipboard, while promising to refine the softer laughs.
There’s a something for everyone, with some very creative literal jokes, ‘Long winded’ and ‘playing music by ear ‘are memorable and there’s some more traditional one-liners aimed at Boris Johnson.
There is a short guest spot where his podcast co-host Danny Ward takes the stage and offers a more traditional stand-up routine for his five minutes – which is also a hit with the crowd. An effective trojan horse move as he promotes his own Fringe show, and there is enough quality material in his cameo to make me interested in going.
A lively, packed room gives both comics plenty to work with. The atmosphere is buzzy and loose enough for the audience to throw in their own lines. Highlights include Mark over-explaining a joke to the one person who doesn’t get it, and Danny’s milkman gag gaining an unexpected extra punchline from someone in the crowd.
Those quizzed by Mark are rewarded with picking a number which corresponds with one of Mark’s ‘tried and tested classics. His delivery and build up is very funny, praising the audience member on their selection beforehand unleashing the joke with laughter from the audience as his own reward.
I don’t have a clever one liner myself to finish on – just a recommendation to go see him.
Mark Simmons: His Latest Jokes, Liquid Room Studio at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Liquid Room, 13:45, Until Aug 23
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/mark-simmons-his-latest-jokes
