Mark Thomas review
Published: Tuesday 3rd May 2011
Olivia Phipps reviews 'Extreme Rambling: Walking the Wall', a live show by Mark Thomas...
The title of Mark Thomas' latest adventure may not provoke much enthusiasm in casual attendees of the live comedy circuit. After all, the hobby of rambling is rarely at the top of the list for discussion when it comes to comedy. For Thomas, however, his is no ordinary hike in the countryside: In 2010, he decided to walk the entire length of the Israeli Separation Barrier, moving between both the Israeli and Palestinian sides.
Thomas is as famous for his political activism as he is for his comedy, and fans of his previous work will not be disappointed. He speaks quickly and passionately about his journey, slowing during moments of tenderness and heartbreak, and regaining speed throughout accounts of his inevitable arrests. As is often the case with such comedy-adventure shows, it is often the people he meets - rather than the events that occur - that really make the show. Genuine excitement evidently rushes through his veins as he recounts a meeting with a similarly avid rambler from the West Bank - an excitement so contagious it infects even the hardiest of audience members. That said, one of the most memorable moments of the show describes him caught in a tear gas attack holding hands with a clown and an onion...
It is a very long show, and one gets the sense that, even then, he has not said all there is to say on the matter. Luckily, a book of the same name accompanies the tour, should more detail of the journey be coveted. One gets the impression that he would happily have skipped the interval in order to tell more stories of his travels, and, from the deafening cheers of the eager audience, I would judge this to have been happily welcomed.
While in quite a different format to some of his previous shows, Mark Thomas proves himself to be quite the orator, inspiring both touching silences and bellowing laughter. The show certainly educates, allowing those with very little knowledge of the Israel-Palestine conflict as much profound insight as those with a detailed awareness.
Coming from the man who holds the Guinness World Record for the most number of political demonstrations in 24 hours, it seems perhaps less active than some of his other work. This is not to say it is any less inspiring, however: how many of us can say they have visited the only Bed & Breakfast in the whole of Palestine?
You haven't? Go and find out why Mark Thomas has.
Review from Basingstoke, 1st May 2011.
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