Can Marc Hogan, a man who’s never performed stand-up comedy before in his life have a successful show at the Edinburgh Festival – all to win a £1 bet?
As I try and scale the walls of comedy glory , I’ve spent alot of time going to comedy gigs. Six weeks ago I went to see the political comedian Mark Thomas’ new show in Hemel Hempstead called “The Manifesto”. Basically at the end of the first half of the show the audience are invited to write down an idea for a Manifesto Pledge that Mark can campaign on. He then pulls them out during the second half to let people vote…
In a snowy Hemel Hempstead, out of an audience of 100 it came down to two ideas. One of which was mine.
“Prince Philip should never ever, ever be allowed to meet Barack Obama.” (I think it’s fairly obvious why)
So far so chuffed. Then a friend called me yesterday to say that Mark Thomas had actually actioned my idea in his manifesto pledge (Obviously this was before the President had met Prince Philip)! What’s more he even called it one of his favourite pledges during an interview with Clive Anderson on the Radio 4 show, “Loose Ends” this week Apr 18th.
You can listen to an excerpt to the show and how Mark tried to action my idea here - brilliant! (Its always gratifying when “the Palace” go nuts!)
But it gets better – there was even a demonstration before the G20 meeting to Stop Prince Philip meeting Obama (I so wish I had been there) you can read all about it here.
Prince Philip Demo Poster
So, does that now mean that I’m an official comedy writer for Mark Thomas? Does he actually owe me money for my comedy genius? Should I have signed a contract? Ok, those delusions of grandeur clearly need to be kept in check – note to self…
I’m currently trying to write my Edinburgh Show – and damn it’s hard! I’ve got a venue and title, now I need 50 minutes of comedy gold! This is definitely going in!
By the way, if you get the opportunity I’d really recommend that you go to Mark Thomas’ show. He’s a really nice guy and very, very funny! He always takes the time afterwards to chat to those audience members who have waited around. Oh, and his DVD is hilarious as well!
If you would like to find out more about Marc, or to book him for a speaking event please visit www.marchoganlive.com
Excellent work Marc, I have always really liked Mark Thomas since the Mary Whitehouse Experience Radio performances he did way back. I’m impressed you managed to amuse him. I hope the writing is going well and you aren’t procrastinating too much.
Comment by Mart — April 20, 2009 @ 10:07 am
Hey Marc, long time no hear! Sounds like you’re well on the road to Edinburgh, though of course there’s a lot of work ahead I’m sure it’ll be great. Maybe you should film the whole run-up and the show itself? make a documentary while you’re at it. Anyway, hopefully catch you soon mate, good luck, John
Comment by John Dillon — April 20, 2009 @ 10:35 am
After what happened to Danny Wallace and his ‘Yes Man’ experiment maybe you could be ‘To be Sure Man’. You probably have enough on your plate to be fair… Keep up the good work, looking forward to heh Brighton show.
Comment by Mark — April 20, 2009 @ 10:50 am
Mark
You’ve blown any chance of getting that OBE now, and don’t get divorced as it will be the local registry office next time round! Must catch up with you soon!
Tom
Comment by Tom — April 20, 2009 @ 11:10 am
Great! This is getting better all the time. I think John is right. Perhaps you should make a film about your prowess, or would be… It would be useful either way. Keep up the good work!
Cheers
Juanjo
Comment by Juanjo Lopez — April 20, 2009 @ 11:16 am
Yeah it’s right up there with booking Jim Davidson as warm-up for the presidential inaugaration ceremony in the history of bad ideas.
I have spent 3 days so far trying to write.
I’ve written one joke. Which I’m not happy with.
Comment by Max — April 20, 2009 @ 11:35 am
I can see a new fill in the gaps game arising from this – “Marc Hogan should never ever, ever be allowed to meet ___________.”
Comment by Eddie — April 20, 2009 @ 11:52 am
e.g. anyone who has the balls to phone up Buckingham Palace.
Comment by Eddie — April 20, 2009 @ 11:53 am
Congratulations on booking Edinburgh mate, I know you’ll make everyone die with laughter!!
If you need help with any comedy, just think about the many stupid lines, comments, stories that have mistakenly left my mouth over the years! You should have enough material to make a trilogy of films..
I also agree with the comments above, you should have a camera crew follow you for a behind the scenes special.. On that note, the marketing opportunities could be endless…
- Hogan’s kitchen
- Hogan’s got talent
- The “Hogan” factor
- Hogan Idol
- Big Brother Hogan
Clothing lines, fragrances…
I could go on!
Good luck buddy.
DC
Oh and if any of the above take off, I want 10% of all revenue!!!
Comment by Dan Childs — April 20, 2009 @ 12:19 pm