MARK SIMMONS: New Jokes

4.5 stars ~

PBH Free Fringe @ Liquid Rooms Annexe, Edinburgh Fringe ~

Mark Simmons has over the years built an enthusiastic following who may well have discovered him because one of his jokes was again high in the Best Jokes on the Fringe list.  His mostly one-liner puns suit that format very well, and he is a masterclass in skilful delivery during his show so that there is never a groan, but instead full of roars of laughter.

Mark draws his audience in with his warmth and charm to put everyone at their ease, having created a show format so that the audience can happily get involved occasionally in some lighthearted participation which is actually a diversion to take him to the next great gag, sometimes delivered as an aside.

And of course you can barely remember any of the jokes because they keep rolling over you - though some nonsense phrases do stick in your mind such as WD40 and Holy Water, so watch out for those - but you absolutely do remember how much fun and laughter there was in the room.

This show is called New Jokes because Mark is the middle of very successfully touring his 2022 Fringe show "Quip Off The Mark" probably into early 2024, before bringing a new show to the Edinburgh Fringe to give his audience so much joy yet again. 

But in the here and now "Mark Simmons: New Jokes" is undeniably a not to be missed delight. 

Reviewed by RoxyReviews for One4Review on 7 August 2023