Mark Dolan craves a simpler time.
The London born comic can appreciate the merits of the modern world's technological advances, but that doesn't stop him missing some of pastimes that hark back to a by-gone era, like face-to-face conversations, landlines and human contact.
"Those were the days," he says. "I feel kids suffer the most because they don't get a chance to be bored and being bored is the precursor to invention and creativity.
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"I am always sad when I see a child in a car or on public transport, glued to an iPad. Parents - talk to your kids! Children are the most entertaining, funny, wildly creative creatures on earth. We should engage with them and find out what’s inside their heads!”
However, Mark is a survivor and he has learned a thing or two in his 42 years on earth, from how to get free coffee to the art of re-gifting.
He now intends to pass on his considerable wisdom through the medium of his new show, Life Hacks, which he is currently performing at the Edinburgh Fringe.
"It’s a survivor’s guide to life, featuring a set of cheeky life short-cuts,” he says. “For example, re-gifting unwanted presents, only having one kind of sock in your life or getting free Starbucks by pretending to be the person whose name is written on the cup.
“Ultimately, it’s about imparting to the audience what I feel I’ve learnt about life so far.”
Mark’s experiences have not only allowed him to skillfully navigate his way through the modern age, they have also helped him reach an epiphany about the meaning of life, the universe and everything.
“Overall the show is about going your own way in life, doing your own thing,” he says. “Be nice, yes, and be a team player, but don’t spend your time on earth trying to please others and following someone else’s agenda. If you like those yellow flip-flops, bloody well wear them!”
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The stand-up is also no stranger to Edinburgh, having spent his student days studying and propping up bars in the Scottish capital.
"I love Edinburgh infinitely,” he says. “It’s one of the greatest cities in the world and because I studied here for four years, it’s suffused with memories. It has everything; architecture, history, culture, education and the best pubs anywhere.
“Since I arrived back I have tried to relive the magic of pub crawls along Cowgate, but my liver just isn’t what it was.”
The comic’s knowledge and love of the city also has other benefits during festival season.
“I think it gives me a bit of an edge,” he says. “It allows me to rub the city a little bit, because it’s a home from home. I have a deep respect for the Scots and feel I owe this great nation a debt for the education I received while here and also an early exposure to performing, via the Bedlam Theatre, the University’s official theatre.
“It was very good for me as a naive youngster from London to go to another country and learn and adapt to another culture.
"I miss Edinburgh when I’m not here. Mostly I miss the chill East Coast wind, the views from Arthur’s Seat and the golden liquid joy of McEwans 80 and Deuchars IPA.”
Mark's brand of quirky, observational comedy has won him an army of fans across the country, and, when it comes to jokes, he loves to include a personal touch.
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"I really want the audience to feel they have spent an hour inside my head,” he says. “They’re lucky because after the show, they get to leave it!
“I do my very best to entertain every person in the room. I’m quite stubborn like that. You're not leaving until we’ve all had a good time!
“This is my most personal show to date and it’s got the most jokes I've ever squeezed into an hour. Oh and there are prizes at the end!”
However, with the end of the Fringe fast approaching, Mark, who hosted Channel Four’s Balls of Steel and co-hosted If Katie Hopkins Ruled the World, is already preparing for life after the festival.
“I’m starring in a new comedy series on Channel 5 called The Funny Thing About, discussing big life issues like marriage, parenthood and holidays. Essentially I tell the truth about my life and people seem to laugh.
“I’m also presenting a new radio series on Audible. It’s called Mark Dolan's VIP Lounge, in which I meet people who have taken a different path in life. Among other guests, I meet a lady that eats bricks, a homeless man who dreamt a symphony, a human mermaid and a lady who married her dogs. As you do!”
Mark Dolan will perform Life Hacks at the Gilded Balloon Teviot until August 29.
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