Interview with Mark Forward

Mark Forward takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.

Interview with Mark Forward

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

I'm Mark Forward, I'm a Canadian stand-up comic (Edinburgh Fringe, Melbourne Festival, Just for Laughs) and actor. I've just finished playing Donny Mashman on Season 3 of FX's Fargo.

How would you describe your show?

Odd. Fun. And filled with Death.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

I just fell in love with the city, and the people, and have such an amazing experience every time I come, why wouldn't I want to!

What differentiates it from other festivals?

The talent that you can see from all over the world and the plethora of beer tents.

Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?

I was there when I was 25 and didn't return until I was 41, the only difference I noticed was I was fatter.

What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?

I played Peter Cotton Tail to such brilliance in Kindergarten that I knew this was the life for me.

If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?

Being Dead.

If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

Astronaut/George Clooney

What is your earliest childhood art memory?

The rave reviews for my Peter Cotton Tail performance. I'm telling you, 5 stars weren't enough.

Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?

No, nothing in my show is topical. More just about life in general.

Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?

No, not really, I do what I think is funny, and they can either come along, or not.

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

One word: 365 days.

If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?

I'd love to work with Zach Galifianakis or Tutankhamun

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?

Just know half way through you will sit alone somewhere and cry, whether shows are going great or not.

When and where can people see your show?

Gilded Balloon, Dining Room Aug 2nd to 27th. 20:15

And where can people find, follow and like you online?

  • @markforwardd on Twitter
  • @markforwardd on Instagram
  • Or https://www.facebook.com/MarkForward/ on Facebook.

Mark Forward Wins All the Awards is performing at The Gilded Balloon at 20:15 on 2nd – 27th (not 14th). For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.

Author

Tom Inniss

Tom Inniss Voice Team

Tom is the Editor of Voice. He is a politics graduate and holds a masters in journalism, with particular interest in youth political engagement and technology. He is also a mentor to our Voice Contributors, and champions our festivals programme, including the reporter team at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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