Showing @ The Stand, Edinburgh until Sat 25 Aug @ 19:30
Activism is a worthy, compelling and sometimes rather po-faced cause. Mark Thomas has achieved something rare in his latest Fringe show – he has made political dissent not only amusing but side-splittingly so, with a hefty dose of imagination thrown in for good measure.
In his quest to commit a 100 dissenting acts (a task not yet complete), he has produced home-collaged porn, set up an initiative to make sure we get rid of shit-stirring bankers (entitled ‘We Will Drive Them To The Airport’) and produced and trademarked ‘Bastardtrade’ stickers (like Fairtrade, but for less scrupulous companies).
Many activities have been a community effort (a friend produces many of his designs) and the amount of trouble he gets into is probably made less problematic by knowing a number of human rights lawyers. There is a certain sense of preaching to the converted, but that doesn’t mean Thomas isn’t able to provide inspiration. On the contrary; his passion shines through, matched by exquisite comic timing. He adds weight to the idea that one person can spark a revolution and backs it up by handing out dissenting starter packs at the show’s close.