In 2004, Mark Watson performed the first-ever solo 24 hour show at the Edinburgh Fringe. Since then, Watson’s marathon shows - lasting 24, 33, and on one occasion 36 hours - have become Edinburgh’s most celebrated tradition, winning four awards including the 2006 Panel Prize, and establishing Watson as ‘the Fringe’s great innovator’ The List, ‘the highest achiever Edinburgh has seen in the past decade’ The Times, and ‘a kind of unstoppably funny superhero’ The Sunday Times. There was similar furore when the phenomenon transferred to Melbourne for the first time in 2007. In April 2008, Melbourne got its second taste of comedy’s strangest show while, via link-up, audiences in London and in the wider world chipped in.
Here’s a little summary of what people have said about this curious tradition:
2004: ‘A cultural landmark, like Woodstock; a seminal moment in Fringe history, through which Watson guided his audience with sublime talent and glorious wit’ The Scotsman
2005: ‘One of the greatest things I’ve ever seen’ Adam Hills
2006: ‘Unmissable, unforgettable magic: a genuinely uplifting tribute to the power of collaboration’ Chortle
2007: ‘The undoubted highlight of this year’s festival’ Beat
2007: ‘I’m tired, cold and bored’ The Scotsman
2008: ‘A Mark Watson long show offers nothing less than hope for humanity’ Chortle
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