Tall Mark Does Not Come Up Short: ‘Eat It Anyway’
The first ever Fringe Festival was established in 1947 by a bunch of artists who were not included in the Edinburgh International Festival, eventually earning its title because it was “on the fringes.” The Edinburgh Fringe festival ended up being a monumental hit and has grown to be the largest performing arts festival in the world; the concept has been adapted globally with literally hundreds of Fringe festivals popping up across the globe carrying the same ideology of experimentation. This Fringe spirit is a chance for artists to try material that may not fit into the typical purview of an arts festival, and although this is Tall Mark’s first Fringe, his style perfectly embodies the spirit of this tradition.
Eat It Anyway by Tall Mark (Mark for short) is currently playing as a part of the 2025 TK Fringe Festival. Mark describes the show as “A bard-jester’s autobiography,” and the set features Mark accompanying himself on a variety of instruments while recounting stories from his life. The songs feature a difficult-to-categorize style of music and humour which blend together in a quaint, awkward, and charming way. I would liken it to a friend pulling out a guitar at a party and making up some goofy lyrics—obviously with a higher degree of professionalism and tact, but this is the best way I can think to describe it.
Mark is a striking presence in the space, and not just because of his stature; he wears a purple three-piece suit with long coattails and golden lining with a colourfully patterned bell-sleeve shirt and bare feet. There are instruments around the stage area, and a briefcase reading “TALL MARK” in bold white letters sitting on a stool near the back.
He begins with a short song, then an introduction, a story, and another song. He includes interactive elements in the songs and sprinkles conversation with the audience into the stories, resulting in a formula that makes for the most informal concert experience you’ll be able to find on a professional stage. The crowd work is especially charming; at one point during the performance I attended, an audience member interjected with a question which Mark not only answered, but seamlessly used to lead us directly into the next song. It was such a smooth transition that I wondered whether he had reworked the conversation to match the next song, or if he had simply decided to perform a different song based on this interruption. The set is well rehearsed, but moments like this make it feel personalized.
At the time of writing this, I have seen approximately 30 shows in the Theatre Kingston Fringe over the years, and Tall Mark has instantly made my top five. His charm is unusual but warm, his music is catchy but odd, and his humour is unfamiliar and strange but gentle and relatable. Eat It Anyway is not perfect, but its imperfection is exactly what Fringe Festivals are made for. Go see it and learn some valuable lessons about hot dog marketing strategies, driving in each province, and how to get out of work.
‘Eat it Anyway’ plays until August 16, 2025 at the Baby Grand Theatre in the TK Fringe as part of The Kick & Push Festival. More information about the festival can be found here.
