Rambling on just for laughs
Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 16:51
Mark is a fast-witted, original act, equally adept at both longer sets and compering.
He has been a regular compere at Grin 'n' Tonic, and has performed extended sets in arts centres, universities and clubs all over the country.
This show is the story of his 400-mile hike from Bristol to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival earlier this year.
The self-confessed cuddly comedian lost almost a stone in weight and gathered a wealth of material for his festival show during his expedition.
He set out on his mammoth trek to raise funds and awareness for Help The Hospices.
Mark said: "My uncle was cared for by St Peter's Hospice in Bristol and I wanted to do something positive for hospices all over the UK.
"Plus this was my third solo show in Edinburgh and in previous years I've travelled by train and car, so the only thing left to do was walk.
"I had wanted to do something like this for years and it could be my last chance.
"This is my way of seeing Britain and meeting real people, which you don't get to do when you're on the road.
"I really pushed myself and literally crawled into my hotel in Edinburgh.
"I noticed changes in my body and mind, I've lost weight but can already feel it coming back on.
"I really notice noise now, things like traffic, and its getting to me a bit.
"I learnt just how much I rely on my friends and family as well as the kindness of strangers."
Mark is the regular warm-up on Channel 4's Deal or No Deal and has also worked on other Endemol productions such as Kings Of Comedy, FAQ U and Ready Steady Cook.
He is also an established broadcaster. Mark has co-hosted on the Sunday Morning Show (BBC 6 Music), and hosted both The Saturday Show and The Lunchtime Show on BBC Radio Bristol, as well as appearing on Out To Lunch (BBC Radio 2).
When asked by UK comedy guide Chortle what his ultimate ambition in comedy was, he replied: "My genuine ambition is to continue having fun, continue doing and seeing things I have never done or seen, and earn enough money to live a nice life and eat nice food when I want to.
"I want to make great programmes and do great shows, but becoming famous seems to make people a little, um, squiffy."
Doors open at 8.30pm and tickets, costing £9, can be booked by calling 01761 221448.
For more information on Mark's walk or to support his chosen charity visit www.justgiving.com/markolver.
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