24 hour comedy shows, Edinburgh Fringe Festival regular, TV appearances on Mock The Week, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, Have I Got News For You… is there no end to Mark Watson's comedic prowess?

Currently zig-zagging across the UK on the Mark Watson Live tour, Mark is a busy man. We managed to grab a quick ten minutes with him midst commute to bombard him with some probing questions, re his show at Buxton Opera House.

So you're currently in the midst of the Mark Watson Live Tour. How's
this going so far? Are you loving the life of a roving stage star?

I'm really enjoying it so far, lots of travelling but I don't mind that! For example I went from North Wales back to London and then I'm off up to Chester after that. It's good to have my own audience as they've come to see me rather than just a random comedy gig.

Which has been the best gig so far?

Good question – I had a good time in Shrewsbury in Shropshire, I'd never been there before and the audience was really enthusiastic and seemed really up for it! Another good show was at Borden, the stage was really close to the audience and the intimacy was great, I like performing in a cosy room.

Have there been any cheeky hagglers or have you been well received?

No not really, there was one guy in Nottingham a few months back who was giving a bit of a haggle from the balcony… I think he was pretty drunk though and he got chucked out or taken home or something!

Are you one of those comedians who picks on the front row or are these
seats safe?

No, I tend to leave the front row alone, people sat here seem self-conscious enough already! I can see the fear in their eyes. I chat to them if they get involved themselves but I don't pick on anyone.

How do you come up with your material and how long has it taken for you to come up with the complete show? Do you keep adding and changing as you go along?

Yes it varies as I go along, if you keep to a strict script it gets a bit mechanical. I elaborate more on stories and changing the shows quite a lot keeps it much more interesting for both the audience and me!

Do you change your shows for different cities?

Sometimes I do, if I've been there before I can include some local knowledge, I try to make it relevant to the audience. Sometimes I include amusing things I've spotted through the day.

You came to Buxton Opera House on the 30th October – what can audiences expect from future shows on the tour?

Stuff from my TV shows and general stuff and as I spent a lot of time travelling probably revolving around transport and rude people and just petty stuff really! Nothing heavy or wider issues, just my personal moans and gripes.

You've got a wealth of experience in various forms of comedy – TV, stage, radio – which is your favourite and why?

I think I do prefer being on the stage, you have the freedom to talk about what you want and much more control over it. For example, being on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow on BBC – you record about 20 minutes but it all get edited and cut down so you have no say over what actually gets aired. And with live shows you can relate with the
audience and hear them laugh! Even with a studio audience you have no idea how it's being received by the people watching at home.

You've also written some novels – are these along the comedy line or something different?

My novels are something completely different – bigger subjects and quite dark.

Your wife is a fellow writer and performer – have you ever worked together or would you like to in the future?

We have worked together a bit in the past but I like to keep my work and home life separate, when you're married you see each other enough! We watch each other's work though and make suggestions.

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