Mark Simmons: The Art of One-Liners and Touring Laughs
Comedian Mark Simmons is gearing up for his new tour, Jest to Impress, promising an hour of pure, unadulterated fun. In a recent interview, he opened up about his comedic influences, writing techniques, and the highs and lows of live performance.
Influences and Early Inspirations
When asked about his comedic heroes, Simmons didn't hesitate to name Stewart Lee as a key figure. "Seeing his 41st Best Standup Ever show was a revelation," he recalled. "It showed me that on stage, anything is possible." He also cited Rhod Gilbert, Lee Mack, and Noel Fielding as early inspirations who pushed boundaries before achieving fame.
Crafting Jokes from Everyday Life
Simmons describes his style as centered on one-liners and wordplay. His writing process often stems from casual conversations. "I'm good at spotting wordplay in daily life," he explained. For instance, a friend's remark about changing a Facebook password sparked a joke about the futility of using the same word. He collects such ideas in notes, refining them into polished gags when he has about ten concepts.
Memorable Gigs: From Disasters to Triumphs
Not all performances go smoothly. Simmons recounted a particularly tough night at Coventry Showcase Cinema, where comfy chairs led to a disengaged audience. "A heckler kept announcing when people left the room," he said, laughing now at the memory. Despite vowing never to return, he was booked again the following week.
On the flip side, standout moments include his first Glastonbury festival set, playing to a packed tent of around a thousand people. "It was mind-blowing," he admitted. More recently, a show at Nottingham Playhouse with 700 attendees left him in awe of his growing fanbase.
Jest to Impress: A Show for Joke Lovers
Simmons emphasizes that his tour is not about tackling global issues. "This is for people who enjoy jokes, silliness, and laughing for its own sake," he stated. He contrasts it with more serious comedy, highlighting the diversity within the art form.
Podcast Insights and Niche Jokes
On his podcast, Simmons explores jokes that don't always land. One example involves Magic FM, which he describes as a "visual artform"—a pun that confuses audiences outside London. "It's a niche joke that doesn't work consistently," he noted, illustrating the challenges of touring nationwide.
Awards and the Future of Comedy
Winning Dave's Joke of the Fringe in 2024, before its discontinuation, holds a special place for Simmons. "It's great fun for joke-writing," he said, acknowledging its role in celebrating one-liner comedians. While he misses the award, he enjoys being its undefeated champion.
Mark Simmons' Jest to Impress tour continues across the UK and Ireland until 28 November, offering audiences a lighthearted escape from everyday worries.
