Mark Worgan - Magic for a Laugh - 14th July 2005

11 October 2005

Mark has been performing comedy magic for many years and shared his thinking and vast experience during this entertaining evening.

After showing us his promotional DVD, recorded during live shows at the Komedia he explained that

in his act the comedy came first and the magic second. Timing was obviously an important part of comedy and although it is difficult to teach timing, this skill can be acquired, developed and improved over the years. Of course to do this you need to be able to play to an audience regularly over a period of time. This gives you the chance to try things out and the chance to fail. Mark explained that he relies heavily on things happening around him in the audience and emphasised the need to be aware of your surroundings, especially when using audience volunteers. The volunteers can be used to get laughs without the need to embarrass them.

During the evening various members were given a joke to learn and perform. This led to some interesting stand up comedy. Mark's message was that you need to make a joke, a story or magic trick your own. The strongest weapon you have is your own personality.

Mark demonstrated various types of gags from quick throwaway lines to story gags using a prop.

The importance of knowing your audience and playing to them accordingly was emphasised.

He spoke against copying other people's routine/gags and suggested that finding your own way of performing an effect was much better than being a clone by following the suggested published routine.

Mark also gave us an economical hint! He suggested that before rushing out and buying new props and gadgets, to first examine the items you have already and rethink routines to suit your audience. He gave an example of a close-up routine which he has adapted into his cabaret act.

Paul Gordon then gave us a brief interlude about close-up table-hopping comedy which he emphasised, worked for him! Once again the message was 'be yourself'.

Mark then spoke about bringing jokes alive and making them real. Different body language and using unusual voices could be used to achieve this - but only if this suits your stage persona.

Mark ended the evening with his box of visual comedy props. Laughter, the comedians reward, was very much in evidence. Thank you Mark for this entertaining evening.

JC

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