Mark Simmons Embraces the Art of the One-Liner in New Tour 'Jest to Impress'
Comedian Mark Simmons is gearing up for his latest tour, Jest to Impress, a show dedicated to pure, unadulterated humor. In a recent interview, Simmons opened up about his comedic influences, creative process, and the joys and challenges of live performance.
Influences and Early Inspirations
When asked about his comedic heroes, Simmons didn't hesitate to name Stewart Lee as a major influence. "Seeing his 41st Best Standup Ever show was a revelation," he said. "It showed me that on stage, anything is possible." He also cited early performances by Rhod Gilbert, Lee Mack, and Noel Fielding as mind-blowing experiences that shaped his approach to comedy.
Defining a Unique Style
Simmons describes his comedy as centered on one-liners and wordplay. "I'm a joke teller, a gagsmith," he explained. His writing process often begins with everyday conversations. For instance, a friend's comment about changing a Facebook password sparked a joke about the futility of using the same word repeatedly. "My brain immediately goes to the wordplay," he noted, adding that he collects such ideas in notes before crafting them into polished jokes.
Memorable Gigs: From Disasters to Triumphs
Simmons recalled a particularly tough gig at Coventry Showcase Cinema, where comfy chairs and a relaxed audience led to a disastrous performance. "A heckler kept informing me whenever someone left the room," he laughed. Ironically, he was booked again the following week. On the brighter side, his first Glastonbury festival appearance, playing to a packed tent of about a thousand people, stands out as a career highlight. "It was incredible to see that many faces," he said, attributing the crowd to fans arriving early for Josh Widdicombe.
The Essence of 'Jest to Impress'
His new tour, Jest to Impress, is designed for audiences who appreciate straightforward jokes. "This isn't about tackling world issues," Simmons emphasized. "It's an hour to forget everything, enjoy the silliness, and laugh for the sake of laughing." He recently performed at Nottingham Playhouse, marveling at the 700-strong crowd. "I'm so lucky to have people come specifically to see me," he reflected.
Navigating Niche Jokes and Awards
On his podcast, Simmons often dissects jokes that fail to connect. One example is his niche bit about Magic FM: "I said listening to Magic was rubbish because it's a visual artform, but audiences outside London think of tricks and spells, not the radio station." This inconsistency has led him to retire the joke from his sets. As for awards, he won Dave's Joke of the Fringe in 2024, just before it was discontinued. "It's great fun for joke-writing," he said, "and as a one-liner comedian, it highlighted our craft. But being the undefeated champion has its perks too."
Mark Simmons' tour Jest to Impress continues across the UK and Ireland until November 28th, offering a refreshing escape into lighthearted comedy.
