In my neighbourhood
Hello.
So. On June 15, as you might just about remember, I posted a blog inviting suggestions as to where I should go on the next tour. This was in response to a load of people asking things like ‘why don’t you ever come to Carlisle?’ or ‘what’s wrong with Ireland – are you some sort of racist?’ and so on. I said that we would count up the most popular venues and schedule some shows for those places. Lots of people voted and many more stuck their locational oars in via Twitter, too.
I’ve left this open for a long time now but the nominations have, sure enough, been totted up and there are now some clear leaders. Since there are quite a few new readers these days, though, I’m going to re-open the polls just for one more day. For the details, go to the June 15 blog called ‘An Experiment In Democracy’, read the rules, and leave a brief nomination for a place I really ought to be doing a gig, but don’t seem to be at the moment. But leave the nomination after THIS blog not the June 15 one. Because those have already been counted up.
And while we’re waiting for the results of that – which will come out soon – here is an even higher-stakes version of the same game.
It’s possible – this is all hypothetical – but it’s quite possible that I will do another DVD recording early in 2011, probably early January. It will be a sort of Best Of show, and it would be packaged with the previous recording I did (in 2008) to make a sort of SuperWatsonPackage which would then come out, as my debut DVD, next year. In both Australia and the UK.
So the question is, where should I do a gig for a DVD recording? Hmm?
Here are the requirements:
-It doesn’t need to be that big a theatre, but at least 300 seats.
-It should be the sort of theatre that looks pretty nice on camera. E.g. an actual theatre rather than a regional arts centre, most likely. Ideally, one that also looks quite nice on the OUTside so you can have sexy shots of the audience rushing expectantly up to the doors.
-I would probably need to do two shows in one day, to ‘give us options’ as directors say (i.e. if I fuck things up the first time, we can try them again in the other show). So it needs to be a city, town or Vatican big enough for me to draw two audiences in a day. Quite possibly the show would be free or very cheap so it’s not a question of selling millions of tickets. Just having keen people.
-…and they need to be really keen. People tend to record DVDs in front of fans. Or if not fans, people so slavering for entertainment that they’ll laugh at anything. So I’d be looking for the place in Britain or Ireland with the highest concentration of available Watson fans, or a place so bleak that even the notion of a DVD recording would produce instant hysteria. (If you’re in Australia, rest assured I will tape an Aussie show separately before long.)
So. If there is a nice, suitable theatre near you, I would be interested to hear your nominations. You can either vote for a DVD recording place, or for a tour venue if you’ve not already done that.
I must keep saying, this is hypothetical. We might not end up doing it in January at all, depending on time and other tedious but important limiting factors. But if we DO do it, I’d like you (you) (the public) to have a say in where it takes place.
It will need to be decided quickly, so let me know by the end of the week. Next week I will unveil the ‘Request Stop’ tour venues that have won the popular vote, and maybe, just maybe, a venue for a special one-off voted-for-by-you-the-people DVD extravanganza.
Phew! Is that enough power to the people for you? Call me Miliband. The one that won and is now going to take the Labour Party back towards the left. Not the one that lost to his brother and is now having to keep pretending he doesn’t mind.
NB Several people found it amusing that I referred to twelve noon as ‘early’. As someone with a seven-month-old I can confirm that it is not early at all – indeed, one’s energy is more or less spent by that time. But it IS early for me to post a blog. That’s all I meant. And this is even earlier than twelve! Thrilling stuff. (If you’re reading this site for the first time ever, because you were lured here by a Tweet, I do a blog here EVERY DAY. That’s right. Absolutely nuts.)
UPDATE (just before 12 noon):
Lots of good suggestions already. I should say it’s unlikely that we’ll use a venue which is already on the tour schedule, because it’s hard to go back to a place twice in three or four months. So definitely worth checking the shows which are already in place: that covers some suggestions like Wolverhampton, Cambridge and Cheltenham. If you’ve nominated one of these places and didn’t realise there was a show already on there, why not buy a ticket and come and see me. Go on! Do it! Thanks.
Posted by Amanda on October 29, 2010
Please come to lil ole Perth, Western Australia again. I wasn’t alone in peeing my pants in the audience last time! Regal, Playhouse, Subi Arts centre, Dolphin at UWA all good. Just come! please!
Posted by Bella on October 5, 2010
Another plea for the King’s Lynn Arts Centre, the theatre isn’t the prettiest but who is when they’re 500 years old and sadly neglected by a shortsighted council? If we can’t have you and you are looking for somewhere breathtakingly beautiful my vote goes to Bury St Edmunds theatre.
Posted by Matthew on October 1, 2010
I was going to go with Leeds City Varieties but I think The Royal Hall in Harrogate is most suitable.
A lovely town for exterior shots
Not on the current tour itinery
Recently refurbished, classical theatre
Holds 1050 and is very central for fans as it is probably the same distance from Edinburgh as it is to London.
Yorkshire crowds are brilliant
http://www.royalhall.co.uk/Media-Centre/Latest-news/News/HIC-launches-new-websites.aspx
Posted by Alec on September 30, 2010
i have to say cambridge, i’d like to justify that, but the only reason i can think of is that i’ll be there….
Posted by Aislinn on September 30, 2010
I want to suggest somewhere in London, but I also (even more so) want to do the complete opposite. I feel, what with you living here and stuff, we get the opportunity to do a lot of Watson-based things already, so it seems fair that you should do it elsewhere. Perhaps one of the places that narrowly missed out on having their town added to your tour?
Posted by Rachael on September 30, 2010
I think the Institute of contemporary arts in London is quite swanky looking from the outside, don’t know what the theatre looks like though inside.
Posted by ChrisP on September 30, 2010
Could I be the first person to say that I HATE GREEN KING with a burning passion (almost enough to boycott their theatre like I have done all their crappy beers). A gig in Bury St. Edmonds would be lovely though. Looks nice.
There also seems to be quite a few people called Chris on here now including me what a wonderful name it must be.
Posted by Meghann on September 30, 2010
The Little Theatre in Southport! Perfect size, great location. Definitely consider it
Posted by andy from liverpool on September 30, 2010
well, i’ve only just found this, but it is bookmarked. only seen you on ‘mock the week’ but find you hilarious… come to hyde, gtr manchester – christ knows, being a scouser in mank is not particularly amusing some of the time!!! when i say “hilarious” – i don’t mean in a dame edna sense… more of a dry chardonnet with a bit of sour grapefruit in it!!! keepbeing funny… andy
Posted by Lesley-Ann on September 30, 2010
Why don’t u try Eden Court Theatre, Inverness its perfect and don’t think Its on the tour, xx
Posted by Corey on September 30, 2010
Some of the research done here is amazing. Watsonians are a helpful brand of human!
Posted by knox on September 30, 2010
Hi Mark. not sure if this has been suggested, but how about the Arts Theatre, just off Charring Cross Road. Think it’s 400 seats, and I remember it as having plush seats. Not sure how fancy it is outside.
Cool news on the potentiality of dvd! xxx
Posted by helen on September 30, 2010
if you eventually choose somewhere near me, may I come along and sit near the front and laugh in an enthusiastic yet elegantly appealing way..? xx
Posted by Kate W on September 30, 2010
I’m voting for the Bloomsbury for your DVD recording. Not exactly an unconventional choice, but fits all your criteria rather well – looks nice on camera, 300 but not massive, access to large and enthusiastic crowds, and not already included on the Watson mega-tour.
(If you were in the mood to do somewhere different, Wilton’s Music Hall is quite small, but incredibly beautiful: http://www.sphericalimages.com/wiltonsmusichall/index.html Would be a smaller, more intimate gig than your tour dates, which may be entirely wrong for a DVD, but it would be pretty special.)
Posted by Josh on September 30, 2010
The Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds.
It is absolutely stunning. http://secure.theatreroyal.org/PEO/site/theatre_info/index.php?nav=gallery
I’ll put a bit from the website here, because it uses good words.
“Built in 1819, this Grade 1 listed playhouse is the only surviving example of a Regency theatre in this country. It is the only theatre open to the public in the National Trust’s portfolio of properties. Now fully restored its extraordinarily intimate auditorium and exquisite decorative scheme will provide visitors with an unforgettable and unique theatrical experience.”
“Is there a more beautiful theatre in Britain than this restored Regency gem? I doubt it. Sitting in the back of a dress-circle box in William Wilkins’ 1819 Playhouse, I felt an intimate contact with the stage.”
Michael Billington, The Guardian
What’s that, you want a testimonial from Steven Fry?
“My enthusiasm for the restoration of the Theatre Royal at Bury St Edmunds knows no bounds. It is a vital piece of our theatrical heritage.” STEVEN FRY SAID THAT.
Is that still not enough for you?
“The Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds holds a unique place in the history of theatre in this country as well as a special place in my heart.”
DAME JUDY DENCH SAID THAT
It seats 353, if my counting is half-decent (which it could not be). Which is enough without being a big, heartless crowd.
It is owned by Greene King and the National Trust, two things everyone loves.
But most importantly of all, Bury St. Edmunds is in the middle of Suffolk and people round here would come and watch Gardeners Question Time if it was free.
So there you are, if it’s good enough for Judy Dench and Steven Fry, why is it not good enough for your precious DVD? WHY?
Posted by Kathryn on September 30, 2010
Ok, double comment, but to hell with it: the Olympia in Dublin is very lovely, you should definitely go there.
Posted by Gem on September 30, 2010
Hi,
Come back to Bury St Edmunds. We love comedy here, what’s with the Fat Cat Comedy club and visits to our lovely theatre by wonderful comedians. we also have a brand new venue about to open!
Posted by Beau Brummel on September 30, 2010
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
Just to clarify the situation, it appears that you could go to Cambridge; “We love you here and the theatre isn’t massive but it’s quite nice”, Newtown [wherever that is]: “You can’t get much bleaker than theatre hafren newtown – ask Michael MacKintyre”, New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth, which is “quite nice”, Swindon: “OK, it’s not that great, but we need you”, the Stables Milton Keynes: “I promise we’ll make an effort this time” or the Stockport Plaza “even though I’ve no idea how nice it actually is”.
Or you could alternatively dip your beautifully shaped toes in the lovely waters of BATH.
My case rests, methinks.
Posted by Beau Brummel on September 29, 2010
Hi Mark
I totally endorse the Bath Theatre Royal concept – it’s just had a multi-million pound makeover so it looks great (in a stylish eighteenth century sort of way which is not incompatible with 21st century wit).
Come on over – the waters are warm and the crescents are – well – pleasant…
And you might get some of that crazy Bristol crowd as well.
Posted by Danielle on September 29, 2010
Blackpool Grand(very pretty) or the Winter gardens (very big).
Posted by Tc on September 29, 2010
The Grand Theatre in Swansea gets my vote. Bill Bailey and Dave Gorman have both filmed there.
Posted by Emily on September 29, 2010
Why did I say “Watson fans” when of course I meant Watsonians. Sorry all Watsonians.
Posted by Emily on September 29, 2010
I’d say it should also be somewhere fairly easily accessible from other places so that dedicated Watson fans who aren’t in the chosen town/city can travel there without too much hassle if they wanted to. So basically London (except not London because everything happens in London), Birmingham, or Manchester.
Either that or the Caird Hall in Dundee (your website lies about doing a tour date there, and doesn’t mention your date at the Whitehall Theatre in Dundee instead), or I’ll say the Stockport Plaza to back amycool and Dawn, even though I’ve no idea how nice it actually is (but I trust their judgement). Those are purely selfish choices though.
(I’ll keep mentioning that the real Dundee date isn’t listed here or on the Where’s Watson list because I worry it won’t sell as many tickets due to lack of publicity)
Posted by Kate B on September 29, 2010
I know it’s already been said but come and record your DVD in Cambridge! We love you here and the theatre isn’t massive but it’s quite nice. I promise I’ll come and see you again if you decide to do it in Camridge and I’ll look super enthousiastic and laugh/applaude especially loud.
Posted by Russ Bravo on September 29, 2010
Mark – come to lovely sunny Worthing on the south coast! Although the show will be too big for the regular Matt’s Comedy Club venue (the Dome Function Suite in our cool retro Dome on the seafront), we have the excellent Pavilion Theatre which is nice to look at on the outside and loadsa room on the inside
Posted by Lizzie on September 29, 2010
Gotta be a Bristol venue.
I know its not very attractive but why not the Dolman exhibition hall at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon, before and after the match. By January us fans will need to be cheered up on a Saturday afternoon. Good crowd. Great laughs.
Posted by Laura on September 29, 2010
I’ve seen i few comments about going to the olympia in Dublin, Which i brilliant! I’ve already whinged to you about coming to Dublin. My Mum is head of Dublin tourism, so we could set you up real well, in Dublin, like!
(Bribery maybe!) Ah go on, come, you know you want to! 
Posted by lisan66 on September 29, 2010
I second Aoife’s comment with the Olympia/Vicar Street in Dublin
Posted by Chris B on September 29, 2010
Got to be Liverpool without a doubt Mark! Could you let me know, so I cna make sure I have my hair done and look half decent, ta
Posted by Kirstie on September 29, 2010
DEFO COME TO MILTON KEYNES!
we have mk theatre, and the stables!
please come! :’)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by Chris B on September 29, 2010
Got to be Liverpool, let me know I will make sure I have my hair done
Posted by Emma Rivers on September 29, 2010
How about the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend? I promise it isn’t as rough and unwelcoming as it sounds! x
Posted by kingrandom on September 29, 2010
If anyone wants to
Posted by kingrandom on September 29, 2010
Penznace, please. Maybe the acorn theatre?
Or the hall for cornwall, in Truro.
Posted by andy p on September 29, 2010
Mark,
Please come to Swindon. OK, it’s not that great, but we need you. You should do one show at the Wyvern, and one at the Arts Centre. Plenty of urban decay for a really ‘edgy’ vid…
Posted by Dan on September 29, 2010
record your dvd in Glasgow’s Kings Theatre! it looks gorgeous from the outside and in. I’m sure Ed Byrne filmed his latest dvd there if you need to see what it looks like
Posted by @sba1 on September 29, 2010
Go back to the Stables Milton Keynes and I promise we’ll make an effort this time (no two empty seats in the front row).
Posted by josie on September 29, 2010
bradford st george’s. the town’s not much but the theatre sure is pretty.
Posted by Dan on September 29, 2010
Bristol Hippodrome! Would love to see a DVD of you filmed here!
Posted by Catherine on September 29, 2010
Can’t vote. Not in UK. Do you ever go to Canada. They might let me in. X
Posted by Alice on September 29, 2010
Leeds or Bradford both old theatres good outside shots and good capacity
and you csn heckle/be heckled by northern crowds, nicely of course.
Posted by Emma on September 29, 2010
Come to Wimbledon Theatre!
Posted by Paul on September 29, 2010
I’d have to say Shrewsbury’s fairly new-ish Theatre Severn.
Posted by Samuel on September 29, 2010
Swindon’s pretty cool, the theatre’s decent sized, the Wyvern Theatre, people do like to go there, just recently been to a few packed shows of stand up comedians, plus it’s a fun city to poke fun of. I mean… we’re twinned with bloody Disneyland!
Posted by Rachel Bagshaw on September 29, 2010
Come down to Barnstaple, we’ve got a great theatre and used to be a hot gig on the stand up scene we’ve just not had many come this year. Always guarantee a full house and the Queens Theatre is being refurbed as we speak so will look lovely and squeaky clean if you pick it. Dara O’Briain will confirm the kind of audience you can get here (though don’t believe everything he says!)
You know you want to…
Posted by GiraffeOnAStick on September 29, 2010
The Stables in Milton Keynes (everyone should be there at least once).
Ashton Gate Stadium. I don’t need to say any more.
Posted by Tim on September 29, 2010
Hi Mark,
If you go for the North East then The Sage Gateshead or come to my home town Darlington at the Civic Theatre
Posted by Someone on September 29, 2010
I’d love it to be Exeter too, but I’m beginning to come to terms with that not happening :[… or Dartmouth! That would be awesome, but again… not entirely likely.
I do think Bloomsbury theatre’s pretty though, and I’d trek it there for this!
Posted by Ingrid on September 29, 2010
I would love it if you could come to Orkney? Since we are so far up north we don’t get many famous people so we would be very appreciative! We have a good theatre that KT tunstall performed in a few years ago, and i know lots of Mark watson fans that live here! Cheers x
Posted by Iona on September 29, 2010
I would suggest the Alban Arena (in St Albans) but I’ve already asked for that as a tour venue and it is pretty fugly so wouldn’t be great for a DVD… but I’ve done panto there! And wanted to contribute
Posted by Bella on September 29, 2010
Hi Mark,
Would just like to second AlNapp’s suggestion above. King’s Lynn needs you!
I also have no connection with the venue apart from the fact that I blummin love the place. We’ve all enjoyed and supported some great comedy and if the theatre goes all we’ll be left with is The Crankies.
Please help,
Bella
Posted by Kathryn on September 29, 2010
I’m not sure if Belfast will be revealed as an extra date, but as no one has mentioned it yet (I think) I thought I might as well. The Waterfront is a bit too white (in my opinion) but the Ulster Hall could be quite nice- it’s smaller, and Victorian so it’s quite pretty on the outside. And it’s in a sort of nice bit of Belfast. And quite close to the student-y area so there’d be plenty of people around who would be keen for a cheap comedy gig. It’s still a novelty for anyone to come to northern Ireland so people will be prepared to travel.
Posted by Tibbs on September 29, 2010
Happy to hear about the renewed prospect of a dvd! Even if there’s no way I could make it to the taping (unless you do the Australia bit between Jan and Apr of next year?)
As for venues, my knowledge is rather limited but the video I’ve seen of Jonathan Coulton performing at Union Chapel looks very lovely.
Posted by Sarah on September 29, 2010
Edinburgh Playhouse – looks good on camera, lots of seats and good from the outside.
Posted by Weaselspoon on September 29, 2010
I immediately thought of the Theatre Royal Bath. It’s a very pretty 800 seat theatre in a good location for pulling in from bath and bristol and beyond. It’s also got an amazing small space called the egg that is a scaled down version of the main auditorium (seats 123) in red velvet.
The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is a stunning 360 seat regency playhouse, recently restored to its original designs (or as close as they could manage). It’s gorgeous.
In London, the Union chapel (seats 800) is fantastic although I’d check with whoever will be recording sound about the echo in there.
It would be lovely to see you doing daytime/late night in one of the west end theatres. The Criterion has 39 steps in and the stage looks pretty damn cool. Maybe on the set of the Mousetrap at St Martins?
Posted by Megan on September 29, 2010
The only UK theatres I’ve been in outside of West End ones were in Pitlochry and Edinburgh. I don’t know that any of those would work.
I’d suggest the cinema here, but, sadly, your Canadian fanbase isn’t exactly huge. Bah.
Posted by cymruangel on September 29, 2010
Swansea Grand Theatre: it’s pretty for the outside shots and it’s not on the tour list. Plus people there do like their comedy but it’s off most of the main tour lists, because most acts don’t seem to realise that there’s more to Wales than Cardiff (with a few very notable exceptions).
Any Watsonians who want to ship in especially for the recording could see the seaside/ maybe go for a walk on the Gower where it’s pretty/ eat Joe’s icecream as added bonuses.
That said, maybe it depends on whether you think university towns* are good or bad audiences – you’d get a lot of students in for a cheap/free show during term time, but I don’t know how they come across from the stage, obviously!
*NB: Your last show in Oxford doesn’t count as a student audience – we had a look round and reckoned it was 70% townspeople.
Posted by Amy Morton on September 29, 2010
hey Mark! you should do a show in the Oran Mor in Glasgow. Russell Kane is doing a show there next year. Its a large church turned events hall. Beautiful on the outside and same on the inside. holds a large crowd. hope you consider my suggestion. can’t wait to see you in Glasgow in october! Stay Safe. thanks Amy Morton
Posted by Jack G on September 29, 2010
I’d suggest any theatre in britain thats nice but mainly think that there should be a coach that picks up the watsonians from whatever city or region they are from and take them to the venue.. Nah maybe a little to ambitious – alot of recordings take place st the bloomsbury in London?
Posted by Helen on September 29, 2010
Can you come to Aberdeen Music Hall please? (preferably not the night before I have an exam or anything – you’ll need to dust off the crystal ball to know when they’ll be though, so pretty pointless for me to have written that…). Good luck with your massive tour x
Posted by Heidi on September 29, 2010
I’d say oxford, because i dont know of any dvds recorded there and also because i live there and that would be pretty cool
Posted by Flora on September 29, 2010
His Majestys Theatre, Aberdeen. Its gorgeous inside and pretty nice outside too. I can virtually promise you 50% more laughs from the audience if you come.
Posted by Linsey on September 29, 2010
I’d say Leeds, but that’s because I’m selfish and live here (although haven’t lived here long enough to suggest an actual place suitable – the only place I know is The Library, which probably isn’t big enough, but does have a big poster boasting that you’ve been there, which would be quite nice).
Anyway, I’m sure regardless of where it is I’ll endeavour to come to the recording. Going to Uni has the added bonus of having a friend’s floor to sleep on in a lot of cities!
P.S. Love the Arcade Fire reference in the title (I hope it actually was an Arcade Fire reference)
Posted by Dawn on September 29, 2010
I agree with amycool that you should come to The Stockport Plaza!
The building has been restored to its former glory and the outside would look very impressive on a film. Also the inside is spectacular!
I’m sure people who would normally travel to Manchester to see you in concert would do a 20 minute de-tour to Stockport.
Posted by Joelle Stanton on September 29, 2010
I don’t really know of any that aren’t in Perth, Australia, but I’ve not commented in a very, very long time so I think that I should. I just never know what to write so I feel like an idiot when I do! Confidence, girl.
Kind of an odd place but the Perth Concert hall looks really nice inside and out, although there’s the obvious hurdle of you not being a music-based performance…
His Majesty’s Theatre is nice, but from what I can remember it’s in the middle of the city and at the moment is covered in scaffolding which isn’t too attractive.
Whatever you do for any gigs, don’t make them 18+. People like me will hunt you down and use cutlery to injure you. I went to see a gig that was age-restricted, despite it having no swearing, just because it had a bar. Not every teenager wishes to drown themselves in alcohol and ruin a perfectly lovely show.
End rant…
I think I shall try and comment more from now on. With less ramble, sorry!
Posted by Alli on September 29, 2010
stupid copy and paste venue pic for Victoria theatre is actually here http://www.theatresonline.com/theatres/halifax-theatres/victoria-theatre/
again the write up/history is here http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure/entertainment/victoria-theatre/index.html
and the actual website is here http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/victoria/ – this shows all the lovely people that have and are going to play here. It simply put is the best place to film your DVD.
(mods please delete previous comment so I do not look to much of an idiot – thanks very much
)
Posted by Alli on September 29, 2010
Well it has to be the Victoria thatre in Halifax, west Yorks. Check the history of it here http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure/entertainment/victoria-theatre/index.html and check out the spectacular building here http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure/entertainment/victoria-theatre/index.html
you will not get a better venue than this. ‘Nuff said.
Posted by Lydia on September 29, 2010
A couple of people have said Bath, which I think would be nice. To be honest I’m not sure what the theatre is like but I would have thought that the outside is pretty. There’s a couple of theatres in Plymouth that aren’t too bad as well. There are a few comedians going there in the next couple of months so I guess they can’t be too small, I don’t remember.
Posted by Jamie on September 29, 2010
I suggest Canterbury, its a beautiful place, full of attractive students for you, they will always snap up some comedy! I’m seeing you in Warwick, but I will personally sell your tickets if you come to Canterbury!
Posted by Katie on September 29, 2010
My suggestions are The Citizens Theatre in Glasgow…
(Capacity of 453 – and it’s a 130 year old Victorian theatre. Oooh, fancy.)
http://citz.co.uk/
…Or the Old Fruitmarket, which is just glorious.
http://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com/oldfruitmarket
(Right, I know, I’m not exactly selling them, but, like…they’re nice. I’ve been in them both, and they’re both lovely. Two thumbs up and a smiley face. I’m also painfully aware that the Old Fruitmarket is so not appropriate but…it’s just so lovely. So, so lovely. Also, if you’re worried about filling any of these places out, don’t be, because should this gig be in my general area, I will come + bring the troops.)
Posted by Misha on September 29, 2010
In an update to my earlier comment (now i’m not in an electronics lab playing with resistors. I have nearly 1 megaohm of resistance in my body)
that regardless of where the DVD recording ends up I shall endeavour to go anyway. Because I have no money or sense. Or something.
Posted by amycool on September 29, 2010
Oops, my comment is massive…just like the prestige of Stockport Plaza.
Posted by amycool on September 29, 2010
My nomination is the Stockport Plaza, because the council spent all of our money on doing it up and now there’s none left for the library service.
It does look lovely though, if you are a fan of art deco, and I’m going to see Rhod Gilbert there in November.
http://www.stockportplaza.co.uk/
Plus, we Stopfordians always feel rather left out with Manchester looming over us with its razzle dazzle.
Here are some facts about the Stockport Plaza:
It is mostly underground (built into the side of a massive rock) so was often used as a shelter during the blitz,
It boasts a 1932 Compton cinema organ of 11 pipe ranks, with illuminated decorative glass panels,
It has 1172 seats – 600 Stalls and 572 Circle,
A full height fly tower extends across the front third of the stage. The rear two-thirds runs underneath the street at the back of the building, making the Plaza larger inside than out,
It was controversial (in 1932) when The Stockport Advertiser rallied against the new theatre, denouncing it as a bad influence on the town’s youth and complaining that it had been constructed by “outside labourers”, at the height of The Depression.
And of course a visit to Stockport means you get to see the wonders of the Hat Museum, the air raid shelters and Staircase House, which was owned by a family that I am distantly related to.
There are lots of good suggestions, so hopefully you’ll get the green light to make your DVD.
Posted by Becca on September 29, 2010
London! Portsmouth! Chichester! Brighton! (all of which I can easily get to from home/uni)
or if you’re feeling a bit desperate…Fairfield Halls in Croydon…
Posted by Alice on September 29, 2010
I second Leeds City Varieties, my favourite venue in the country and oldest surviving Music Hall theatre in the uk. However in light of Ed Byrne’s recording there I can understand you preferring elsewhere. Bristol Old Vic is of course very lovely and Victorian but perhaps Bath Royal is a better compromise being slightly closer to London and possibly less expensive than BOV.
Posted by Tracey on September 29, 2010
Hi Mark. I see you are doing shows at the SECC this year which, unfortunately, I ‘m not able to get to. I can’t think of anywhere new to nominate in Glasgow so I’m just asking if you’ll take the SECC in again on your next tour around the UK? Please? Tracey x
Posted by JontyLarr on September 29, 2010
Lancaster Grand Theatre – cracking little venue, run by volunteers and is its own charity. I’ve seen Adam Hills (who absolutely loved it) there, Russell Kane and also Michael McIntyre when he was a relative unknown. It’s a cracking venue for comedy, and just in general. Check it out.
Posted by jenni on September 29, 2010
what about bradford alhambra for filming? it looks real nice and us northerners ae easy to please. plus youll pull in fans from all the near cities like leeds, dewsbury, etc. im from wakefield and id definately go!
Posted by Georgie on September 29, 2010
Glad to hear you’ll be filming one in Aus sometime in the future! That’s really all I could contribute to this blog being mostly asking for British suggestions! Australia misses you already. x
Posted by Simon Sidi on September 29, 2010
Please come to Los Angeles. There is an amazing comedy scene out here.
Posted by Daniel on September 29, 2010
Come back to Tunbridge Wells – would love to see you local again and we never did finish the show last time – Trinity Theatre – you know you want to (although it does only have 279 seats ….)
Posted by Charles Commins on September 29, 2010
Come to Warrington, Mark. The Parr Hall is a lovely little venue and Jimmy Carr does at least 2 sell out shows here a year! Will be coming to Manchester gig but on my doorstep would be perfect!
Posted by Simone on September 29, 2010
My favourite venue for comedy, apart from The Invisible Dot HQ, is The Union Chapel in Islington.
Posted by Sarah (@Goosecg) on September 29, 2010
Cardiff New Theatre. It’s pretty.
Posted by Anji on September 29, 2010
Hmm well I don’t know – I’d like to say somewhere close and I’m willing to travel if it’s cheap enough. Bristol somewhere, if Cardiff won I might be able to work a lift there. Or if in Brum, could you try and work it close to a Villa home game, I could then bribe the OH.
Or to make it really simple Exeter would be fantastic. I wouldn’t have to bribe anyone or grovel for a lift. But I’m struggling to think of a suitable venue in Exeter.
I look forward to the results and my heart says it’ll be London somewhere. If I win the lottery between now and this happening I’ll be there wherever it happens to be.
Posted by Sheona on September 29, 2010
Do one at the Concert Hall in Perth (scotland)! It’s really nice on the outside, and a big theatre on the inside, plus there’s been great comedy acts in the past that have all sold out, so you’d fill it no bother
Posted by Alistair on September 29, 2010
The King’s Theatre in Edinburgh looks lovely both inside and out and it would give you an opertunity to use an Edinburgh venue reserved for the International Festival in August. Although non-Edinburgh based people might be miffed that you would be doing more shows here, also the King’s isn’t as ridiculously big as the Festival Theatre or Playhouse so it would be fairly easy to fill a couple of times in one day. The Bristol Old Vic is also lovely and would be nice home-coming type recording.
Posted by Emma S on September 29, 2010
The Grand Theatre, Leeds is a lovely venue and well worth considering.
Posted by Laura on September 29, 2010
Ooh, yes please to Southend. It will make such a change not to have to traipse into London, or foist myself on my dad for the weekend to see stuff in Brighton or Tunbridge Wells. That said, the Trinity is lovely (inside and out), but you should already know that.
Posted by Anna on September 29, 2010
I third Southend. Purely because I live here, want to come to the recording, but will be massively pregnant by then and won’t want to travel very far.
Posted by Chris on September 29, 2010
Cambridge Corn Exchange! Lots of willing students up for a laugh that doesn’t cost much.
Posted by Martin S Smith on September 29, 2010
Cheltenham Town Hall. Ok, so perhaps not an actual theatre, but it has a very impressive looking main hall, with statues and marbles and everything. Plus the exterior makes it look absolutely huge.
Posted by Laura on September 29, 2010
Mancheter Appollo theatre, Michael McIntyre has recorded an episode of his comedy roadshow there so you can see what it looks like. It’s also right in the centre of manchester so it’s incredibly easy to get to, and it is also on a main street so it’s easy to find. Also Manchester is in the Northwest and is a fairly big city, so transport to and from should be appropriate for those who perhaps want to travel in to see you.
Posted by Abbii on September 29, 2010
In response to Misha’s post, alexandra’s nice on the inside but a bit ugly on the outside. I’d say Nottingham but I’ve only been here two weeks and don’t know what any of the venues are like
The Belgrade in Coventry isn’t bad, it’s pretty outside but i’ve not seen it since it’s been done up, and I’ve heard it’s not the greatest of places to do a show, so I’m pretty much posting a useless comment. However somewhere in the visinity of me (i.d. nottingham, Coventry or Birmingham) would be awesomesauce (Y)
Posted by AlNapp on September 29, 2010
Hi Mark
Can I please suggest the Kings Lynn Arts Centre, a fab venue seating about 350 which is currently under threat of closure.
http://www.kingslynnarts.co.uk
It would be great publicity for the venue to get your DVD record and would help raise the profile of the campaign (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=168510099168) to save it
Even if you can’t make it here, p0lease consider signing the petition http://www.petitiononline.com/SaveKLAC/
I’m in no way connected to the venueother than a punter and having seen many of my comedy idols here it’s be great to add you to the list
Cheers for your time
Al
Posted by Misha on September 29, 2010
Cardiff new theatre for the recording?
Yes I’m lazy. And it’s 20 minutes walk from my flat. It /is/ pretty though.
The ones in Cov are crap, but I think Brum Alexandra is nice too.
Those are my votes then.
Posted by Chantelle on September 29, 2010
AYLESBURY!!!!
Just built a new lovely ship lookalike theatre!!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COME!
Rhod Gilbert is coming here =P
YOU NEED TO COME HERE!
Posted by Verity on September 29, 2010
Crouch End! … where else?
Posted by John Breakwell on September 29, 2010
Must look nice? That’s Reading Hexagon right out.
Posted by kim on September 29, 2010
Inverness – Eden Court
Posted by David Cole on September 29, 2010
Go to Cardiff. As close as you can get to home ground, great venues, and amazing fans. Also, best pasty shop in the UK.
Posted by @soultony on September 29, 2010
Come to Barnsley Civic. True culture. It’ll be great for the locals to see a real live video camera and I will buy you a pasty from one of our 3 Greggs!
Posted by Hugh on September 29, 2010
Corn Exchange in Newbury? Lovely exterior, good transport links so people could come (I often go there from London for shows, it’s really easy), and the inside is nice and intimate…
Posted by Alex on September 29, 2010
you should come to the Kenneth More Theatre, in Ilford, it’s a theatre with 350 seats, semi in london, so you wont be struggling for people to fill them, but it desperately needs the publicity at the moment, I volunteer there and almost all our regular audience are old people, who are slowling dying off, so we need new blood to come to the theatre and a cheap mark watson gig would be perfect for that
Posted by Daniel on September 29, 2010
I second Southend-on-sea! The palace is gorgeous.
Also, Mark have you read the script I gave you at Edinburgh? No rush, just hope its somewhere in your to do pile!
Posted by VeryBerry on September 29, 2010
*Orchard
my C is stiff sorry
Posted by VeryBerry on September 29, 2010
Dartford Orhard Theatre
Posted by Mark Watson on September 29, 2010
Point of order: I already am going to Wolverhampton. You can find the list of existing 2010-11 tour dates elsewhere on this site. Thank you and good day. M
Posted by Sam on September 29, 2010
Obviously I shal nominate ones near me, New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth is quite nice, but is terraced on a street with fuck loads of bars so exterior shots may be weird. And I don’t know about your presence down there. (I would go twice, and drag others along, forcibly if need be.)
The Theatre Royal in Bath however is very pretty and in a lovely and pretty city. Also it is large enough to get an audience, but also close enough so say Bristolian Watsonians could go as well, and sort of a little West Country hub. I think that would be the best bet so you can ignore my earlier nomination for Portsmouth (although I’ll leave it there as some of the exterior shots would be funny, such as seeing a man in a duck costume handing out leaflets to a strip club to a woman who has just vommed blue, I have seen this more than once on that street,)
Posted by Callum on September 29, 2010
bloomsbury theatre!.. tried and tested (and right round the corner from my house). poyfect!
Posted by Rob Tonkinson on September 29, 2010
Go to Wolverhampton!
Posted by Susanne on September 29, 2010
I second Aoife with The Olympia, Dublin
Posted by Amy on September 29, 2010
How about Southend-on-Sea?
At the Cliffs Pavilion or Palace Theatre.?
x
p.s. I was lured here by a Tweet.
Posted by Ivan (@ivanbrett) on September 29, 2010
How about the Theatre Royal, Winchester. It’s big enough, it’d sell out immediately, and it’s quite a nice atmosphere for a comedy gig.
Posted by Paul Cliff on September 29, 2010
Hi Mark,
you could always launch the conecpt low key at our 80 seater theatre in our Democracy week and gain more publicity, (I’m sure we could go beyong Stray FM to Look North!)coming back to fil your big finale at the Royal hall or the conference centre in Harrogate.
bit cheeky I know but I would quite like a promotion!
Cheers
Paul Cliff
Posted by Von on September 29, 2010
You should come to Warrnambool, Vic, Australia. Pretty Please?
Posted by Rachel/Pandora on September 29, 2010
Birmingham Town Hall is nice. And its a central big city, so audience shouldn’t be too much of a problem. And it’ll make me happy.
Posted by Linzy on September 29, 2010
In the event that it doesn’t get recorded in early 2011, I’d like to nominate Leeds City Varieties. You’ve been there and know how beautiful it is, and after the refurb it should be simply stunning. Plus, Ed Byrne did his first DVD record there.
Posted by Woodbj on September 29, 2010
Mildura, Victoria, Australia!
Posted by Aoife on September 29, 2010
The Olympia or Vicar Street, Dublin
Posted by Georgina on September 29, 2010
You can’t get much bleaker than theatre hafren newtown – ask Michael MacKintyre
Posted by Georgia on September 29, 2010
first comment- excellent. Rye, Victoria, Australia. I’m sure we can find a divine paddock or footy oval or my front yard