Political comic Mark Thomas talks red bus rovers, living in Clapham and where to get the best falafels in town...
As famous for his activism as he is for his comedy, political standup Mark Thomas has long been a respected figure of the alternative comedy scene, beginning his career as a compere at the Leicester Square Comedy Store in the late ‘80s before making regular appearances on BBC Radio 1's The Mary Whitehouse Experience and starring in his own political comedy TV show, The Mark Thomas Product on Channel 4.
Skilfully blending storytelling, observations and investigative journalism in his shows, he has a gift for bringing new insight and humour to the gravest of subjects; from terrorism to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Having lived in London all his life, and staged various protests all over the capital, he seemed like the perfect candidate for our My London series...
Where did you grow up?
Clapham, just near the common in Kyrle Road.
What's your earliest childhood memory of London?
My first memories of London were seen from my Dad's Commer van. He was a self employed builder and the Commer doubled up as a builder's van and family vehicle. Between the two front seats sat the engine cover which got hot when used. So my mum sat in the passenger seat holding my sister and my Dad in the driver's seat while I sat on the engine cover, which was covered with a dust sheet in case I burnt my bum. I remember driving over Chelsea bridge and craning to see the water in the Thames... and the smell of oil.
But my favourite childhood memory is being taken up to Selfridges at Christmas and having my photo taken with a monkey on my shoulder. I still have the photo somewhere.
Where do you live now and what do you like most about the area you live in?
Clapham. The best thing about it is that it is where I grew up and I have an uncanny sense of ownership of the place, unlike some of its inhabitants who merely own vast swathes of other places.
Where's your favourite place to eat?
Gaby's, Charing Cross road, run by the friendliest folk ever and the best falafels in town. It is currently under threat for some soulless development.
Best boozer?
Don't drink, or at least try not to.
Favourite London comedy club past or present?
The Comedy Store when it was in Leicester Square, just because that was where I did my first gigs. But lots of good clubs around the place; King's Head in Crouch End, and Banana Balham are good.
If you could perform in any building in London where would it be?
The Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn, or St Paul's Cathedral.
How would you spend an ideal Sunday in London?
Cycling, chilling out with the family and a visit to Brick Lane Beigel Bakery and grabbing a bag of a dozen plain.
How do you travel around the city?
Cycle, or tube when I need to arrive somewhere without a veneer of sweat and grime.
When you're away from it, what do you miss most about London?
My family.
Name something that's better about London now than when you were growing up?
Shops are open Sundays. Not that I like to shop but there was never anything to do on a Sunday but the Thomas Memorial Church of the Nazarene.
And something that was better back then?
Red bus rovers, where you could by a red bus card and travel everywhere on a Saturday and the huge adventure playground in Balham that was dangerous and thrilling and is now a Waitrose.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
Not much gets done in a day, so it is tempting to repeat the old anarcho hippy comic Tony Allen's maxim: "Release the ravens from the Tower and the rest will happen".
On Friday 4th November, Mark is hosting a comedy benefit at the Bloomsbury Theatre for WAYout (Worldwide Arts For Youth) with Isy Suttie, Josie Long, John Hegley and Mark Steel.
Photo credit: Idil Sukan
Return to the London comedy homepage
Add an event
Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012
Frieze have today announced details for the 2012 edition, their tenth art fair in London. Taking place...