This summer sees the release of a new documentary ‘A1: The Long Road to Edinburgh’ revealing the trials and tribulations of an MK stand-up comedian (and teacher), preparing to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe.
In August 2017 Fringe first-timer Mark Row arrived in Edinburgh to perform his show for the entire 25-night run. Just twelve months earlier he had never stepped on stage to perform stand-up at all. Explaining his idea Row said 'I had talked about being a stand up for quite some time but I was quite scared of actually getting on stage. I thought it would be good to give myself a deadline to force myself into it. The Edinburgh Festival seemed like the perfect deadline.'
Along the way, Row met a host of comedians who were more than happy to share some advice and words of support. The documentary features interviews with television regulars James Acaster (Mock the Week, Live At The Apollo), James Redmond (Hollyoaks and Casualty) and Ellie Gibson (Dara O’Briain’s Go 8 Bit), along with ‘Comedian’s Comedian’ Stu Goldsmith. Row explains, "I was lucky to be given the opportunity to speak to some of the best comedians in the business. I was initially worried that they might be dismissive about what I was attempting, but they were all quite encouraging... although they were very honest about exactly how difficult a task I was going to face."
Through interviews, video diaries and footage from the gigs, Row demonstrates the highs and lows of starting out in comedy, the impact that the journey has had on his family and day to day life, and exactly what it takes to write, promote, and perform an entire Edinburgh show, starting from absolutely nothing. In doing so he has won the respect of some of the more experienced Fringe comedians. Masai Graham, winner of the 2016 Best Joke of the Fringe, who Row met when he first thought of the project says, "it's brave, and documenting it all is a great footnote for newbies to watch and think about the pitfalls of doing their first Fringe"
The documentary is now available on Vimeo on Demand and Amazon. Check out the Facebook page to see more details from the year long journey, and to get the latest updates on the film, including the discount codes that the team are offering in the run up to this year’s Edinburgh Festival.
Reviews
"Absolutely loved watching this. It is a fascinating insight into the hard work, dedication and sacrifice involved in getting ideas on to stage. Fun, engaging and thoroughly entertaining. A great watch for aspiring and experienced comedians; and anyone interested in the creative process." (David Shakespeare – Vimeo on Demand)
"A great watch - up there with some of my favourite Netflix documentaries! Any comic, new or old, should give this a watch, as well as anyone that just enjoys well produced and entertaining documentaries." (Andrew White – Vimeo on Demand)
