Comedy: The Humble Quest for Universal Genius

Mark Allen delivers pure comedy genius

The search for an all-rounder has been on ever since it was time to pick sides in games at school and the kid that could both hit and catch the ball got chosen first. Comedically speaking, Mark Allen has hit the ball right into out of bounds and happened to be dallying there, up to who-knows-what in order to catch it with an arm like Popeye after a particularly good tin of the green stuff. The Humble Quest For Universal Genius is a fabulous concept for a comedy show, enriched by its live arena and all the better for its players, host and audience.

Mark Allen hosts the show, ably aided by his ‘glamorous’ assistant Eli Silverman. Rounds consist of such fabulous topics as ‘etiquette’, ‘poetry’, ‘wit’ and ‘hunting’, utilising the multiple guess format and a multimedia element in their delivery with PowerPoint and videos. This is truly a search for a universal genius among the comedy fraternity (and sorority), and has been going down a storm around the country as Mark took it to various outdoor festivals in 2011 and played it to enthralled houses in both Brighton and London.

Now with a new year comes a new home to The Humble Quest For Universal Genius as it takes up monthly residency at Komedia. Kicking off with two power-players for the title, regulars on TV and radio and both having featured on The Michael McIntyre Comedy Roadshow broadcast across the nation, it’s Zoe Lyons Vs Simon Evans. You can even compete against them yourself as the audience itself plays a major role, experimenting as to whether the ‘hive brain’ of those seated viewers can outdo the individuals battling it out for the title. You’ll understand when you get there but know that no-one will be picked on and it’s loads of fun.

Future intellectual comedic duels are set between Stephen Grant and Steve Hall next month (26 February) and pitch Joey Page Vs Michael Fabbri on 25 March. Once visited this is a night always treasured. See you there.

The Humble Quest for Universal Genius, Komedia, Sunday 29 January, 8pm, £9/7, www.komedia.co.uk/brighton.