Multi award winning comedian and activist Mark Thomas has so much under his already politically expanded belt that there could not possibly be anything left in this world untouched by his investigations. His last UK tours, ‘The Manifesto’ and ‘Stupid Economy’, both sold out nationwide and inspired audiences across the UK to voice their own ideals. The results from ‘Manifesto’ were published in a pamphlet entitled The People’s Manifesto (Ebury Publishing) and the show was also recorded and broadcast as a Radio 4 series earlier this year. So what next?
Never one to take the easy option, Mark decided to go rambling in the Middle East and walked the entire length of the Israeli Separation Barrier crossing between the Israeli and the Palestinian side. This is the story of 300 000 settlers; a 750 km wall; six arrests, one stoning; too much hummus and a simple question… can you ever get away from it all with a good walk?
Mark has become one of Britain’s most acclaimed comics as well as one of Britain’s most recognised and influential activists. After 25 years of performing, six series of the Mark Thomas Product and Mark Thomas Comedy Product with Channel 4, numerous documentaries, two books published by Ebury Press, radio programmes, changing the law on tax, secretly filming torturers, stinging arms dealers with school children, exposing abuses of civil liberties and corporate skulduggery, writing for the New Statesman and the Guardian, Mark has finally conceded that he might have a career yet.
Mark’s new book, Extreme Rambling-Walking the Wall was released via Ebury Publishing in April.
MARK THOMAS INTERVIEW
J.C. Gday Mark, you,ve had great success with your ‘Peoples Manifesto’ and others and i,m sure this current tour will be a great success also. Can you tell me your scariest moment on your Walking the Wall ramble?
M.T. Yes, logistics were a nightmare as I never knew where i would end up. Setting up filming and interviews were hard work.The P.L.O. were very suspicious of my intent but they were generally happy with what i was up to. But having said that the fear of blisters and corns were a concern.
J.C. This was an expensive trip for you, was it worth it? And were you treated with suspicion?
M.T. Yes it was definately worth it. It cost about £50,000 funded by my book advances, fire brigade unions and others. It was brilliant and exciting, i have never done anything like it before. It is a very beautiful place and some amazing stories. Asparugus delicious and lots of trees being planted in the name of peace. I was treated with a lot of suspicion, but such lovely people. The area was very rural and in the Palestinian areas kids would ask what i was doing there and i was sometimes stoned but only because they thought i was part of a political Israeli section.
J.C. Where did you stay? and who were the most accomodating people?
M.T. i stayed in some great places, in a barn, a garage next to a firing range, B+B and a refugee camp above a theatre for 4 days which was so friendly and the best.
J.C. You were detained at least 6 times, was this by the Israelis and were you treated well?
M.T. Yes i was detained by the Israelis. Treatment varied depending, because the military had their own suspicions about who i was. I could have been a trespasser or a Palestinian sympathiser so they were sometimes very aggressive or very calm about my intentions.
J.C. Did you witness any violence from either the Palestinians or the Israelis?
M.T. As i said, i was attacked by Israeli settlers with stones , but non-violent resistance was most prevalent.
At this point Mark said he had other interviews to conduct, but i managed to keep him going for another 15 minutes.
J.C. I understand you have a busy schedule Mark but just a few quick questions i promise. You have many awards including The Sony Award and the Medi Activist U.N. Human Rights Defender award to name a few, any more in the grapevine you may have insight to?
M.T. I think i have Comedy Award in the pipeline but to be honest its nice for a few days and they are not that important to me.
J.C. Any future T.V. Radio performances planned?
M.T. I have a new series soon on R4, the Manifesto.
J.C. Can you still get away from it all with a good walk?
M.T. Nearly.
J.C. What’s next?
M.T. I have a new book, a show, a DVD, a film and then i want to sleep.
J.C. Do you think you have finally got a career now?
M.T. Probably but if i say that it’s got to be the kiss of death i think.
J.C. Do you still like houmus?
M.T. Er, yes.
J.C. How many political demos did you perform to get that mention in The Guinness Book of Records?
M.T. 21.
J.C. Any plans to embaress our present coalition government?
M.T. Mmmm interesting question, Ill start to work on that, lets say work in progress.
At this point i invited Mark to the Frolic gig on the same night as D.J Crumpet had a special song for him. We’ll have to see on that one though.
J.C.
Mark Thomas: Extreme Rambling (Walking The Wall) at Bridport Arts Centre
Thursday 30th June, 2011
Guinness World Record Holder: Most Number of Political Demonstrations in 24 Hours – 2006
Sony Award winner for radio Comedy 2008
MediActivist Awards (MISTY) – 2005
UN Association Global Human Rights Defender Award – 2004
Kurdish National Congress Medal of Honour – 2002
Time Out Comedy Award – 1990
