IMDMW
I had been meaning to do a blog to promote my
oddly-titled but well-meaning improv show, Improvisation My Dear Mark Watson (the title was decided by Dave). But thanks to the over-running of my show tonight, it’s been and gone and I didn’t even see it myself. I only ever saw a rough edit of it, in fact, so I hope it came out well. Quite a few of you kindly attended the recording
and that helped a lot, but doing a new show is a
nerve-racking business. There are always lessons to be learned, things that didn’t quite work, and sometimes with a pilot you never get the chance to have another
go and put them right. Still, from the highlights I’ve seen, it has its moments. And thanks to the way modern TV works, you can watch it any time. If you’re in the UK. So maybe this is still valid promotion after all.
Posted by JontyLarr on July 12, 2011
Sorry I’m late, but the claim that this was “probably the first time ever on an improvisation show” that a green screen has been used is incorrect, as after Whose Line Is It Anyway? was cancelled in the USA, “Drew Carey’s Green Screen Show” popped up on another network for a couple of seasons and was just WLIIA with a green screen.
There’s not been a brilliant improvisation show since Whose Line, and I’m afraid I wouldn’t consider this one to have broken that mould. Too many games with a group of what I’d call BBC Three Comedians instead of experienced improvisers.
In short, the basic idea and your good self are both solid. The final product, with the exception of Rufus Hound, fell a bit flat for me.
Posted by Tom Beasley on July 6, 2011
If anyone missed the show and wants a link to it (should work in all countries), then tweet me @TomBeasley and I’ll chuck a link your way.
Show was quite good. Not sure I like the whole green screen thing, but all of the performers, including Mark, were on great form!
Posted by Lydia on July 6, 2011
The title is odd. Maybe people refer to you as my dear Mark Watson without your knowledge?
I don’t have Dave, so I didn’t see the actual show, but I found some clips on what was probably Dave’s website (the one with the weird profile for you that talks about panel shows and kissing your face), and the clips were very funny. I liked the finger protectors.
I agree with Lizzy, it was so much better than Fast and Loose. The dancing guy from that should have been on your show instead.
Posted by Carl on July 6, 2011
I didn’t catch the show, but I’ve not left a comment on here for quite a while and wanted to say: Hi, Mark. Hope you’re well.
Posted by Louise on July 6, 2011
I really enjoyed the show, Mark! Very well done.
Posted by Rachael on July 6, 2011
I’ve been watching QVC all morning waiting for those finger protectors…
Posted by alot of rachels on July 6, 2011
and yeah I echo what Alex said, the show led me to realize we have mutual friends, I am slow on the uptake quite often.
Posted by alot of rachels on July 6, 2011
I loved the recording but missed it going out on tv.
I’ll just have to close my eyes during that bit (can’t stand seeing myself)
I knew I shouldn’t of sat next to the well dressed man as it meant i was on the telly box
Posted by Miz on July 6, 2011
I enjoyed it! I loved the guests (and you of course), and everyone seemed to be having fun
Also you looked delightfully awkward in the opening titles – it’s a good thing, honest.
Posted by Tibbs on July 6, 2011
I’m glad to hear that the title was none of your doing; it always struck me as a bit unwieldy. Regardless, I am very much hoping I get to see this at some point. Any chance you could somehow orchestrate it so that it was repeated when I’m in the UK in August? That would be ever so convenient.
Posted by Kate W on July 6, 2011
May have to cave in and go to bed, but I’ve enjoyed the first half; great hosting (funny without being too try-hard), lovely choice of guests and everyone seems to be having fun. I hope there’s more and also that you get/got back from Newbury reasonably swiftly.
Posted by Joelle on July 6, 2011
I hope it ends up on Youtube!
I’m sure it was very good though.
The station decided it? Some people on Tumblr were rather excited that your show had a title that played on something from Sherlock (There’s also a BBC Sherlock fandom that branched out to ACD Sherlock.)
Have a nice night!
Posted by Lizzy on July 6, 2011
I liked it! (Had a bit of a hunch I might do to be honest).
Prefer it to Fast & Loose (sorry for the comparison) just because it seemed more… loose actually. More improvised. I can’t imagine anything with you in is entirely THAT rehearsed & scripted (meant as a compliment) so that was good.
Laugh out loud moment for me was when Amos said he couldn’t rap. I was surprised how well he came off because I haven’t liked him since I saw him at a Mock the Week record and he created a sort of awkward atmos with the other comedians.
Rufus was my favourite improv-er from the episode though. If (cross fingered) you get series commission, definitely try get him back. He looked like he was having fun.
Josie and Isy too.
Found the death stuff a bit awkward! Not necessarily a bad thing as I happen to like that you seem more concerned with what’s funny rather than “Safe”. Odd to watch. But I like that!
Good show. Come on, Dave.
Was gonna say something else but I’m just annoying myself now. It was about the name…
:]
Posted by Jen on July 5, 2011
I enjoyed it -especially the rapping scene -good way to unwind after back to work stress!!Jx
Posted by Cathy (traineeflorist) on July 5, 2011
I was laughing all the way through it tonight and I was at the recording. This either means my memory is much worse than I thought or that it was very, very funny. Let’s go with the latter.
Was seriously considering travelling down to Newbury tonight and spending the evening with you (a stone’s throw from Oxford) but went round to best mate’s and watched Minchin dvd and drank obscene amounts of red wine instead. Sorry. Well not that sorry but you know what I mean.
Anyway jolly good. Carry on … x
Posted by Alex on July 5, 2011
I enjoyed it, it was fun. My mum kept saying things like “you were in a car with him the other night, that’s weird” and then Rachel and I discovered that we have a mutual friend (well, she discovered it, I discovered it a while back).
Hope you made your connection ok yesterday. I *should* actually complete my journey back to Newcastle tomorrow.
Posted by Misha on July 5, 2011
Not on Dave so much.
I am sitting up to watch it as I was out being drunk at a gig.