Before It Overtakes Us review (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)

Mark Watson is grappling with the inevitable passage of time, the uncertainty of the future, and the not knowing of what lies ahead for humanity. Before It Overtakes Us marks the world premiere of the British comedian’s candid exploration of these anxieties. Watson’s comedy thrives on meandering storytelling, self-deprecating wit, and an underlying sense of barely contained panic - a style that makes his reflections on life’s big questions personal and universally relatable.

The show is structured around a series of anecdotes loosely connected by an overarching theme of existential dread. At its heart lies an extended reflection on a particularly turbulent flight, one that serves as a literal and metaphorical vehicle for his anxieties. His attention to the finer details of safety demonstrations is mined for comedic gold, as he hilariously recounts his growing fixation on every instruction given by the flight attendants. His reactions to fellow passengers and their attitudes towards potential disaster, only heighten the absurdity. In one memorable sequence, he imagines a darkly hypothetical scenario in which the plane is going down, dissecting his own responses with a mix of self-awareness and gallows humour.

Watson’s natural rapport with the audience is apparent, with spontaneous interactions adding a layer of unpredictability to the performance. This includes a curator for classical antiquities and a couple who arrive at the venue 21 minutes late. While these exchanges are undeniably entertaining, they feel like a detour from the show’s themes. He clearly loves audience engagement, but these improvised moments sometimes detract from the philosophical weight he’s aiming for.

When the end comes, and I mean the end of the show, it becomes evident that Before It Overtakes Us is more a collection of compelling fragments than a fully realised whole. His musings on ageing, death, and fear are laced with humour, but they don’t quite coalesce into a narrative with a strong emotional arc or a lasting takeaway. Even his recollection of Phoebe from Photo Box, while amusing and intriguing, lacks the depth needed to elevate the material beyond the sum of its parts.

Ultimately, Watson delivers an enjoyable and insightful hour, filled with keen observations and familiar anxieties. However, the show feels like it’s still in the process of evolving, much like the thoughts and fears it explores. Watson is a masterful storyteller, but whether Before It Overtakes Us captures the fullness of its themes remains up for debate.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Melbourne Town Hall, 100 Swanston St, Melbourne
Season: until 20 April | Tues - Sat 7.30pm, Sun 6.30pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $37 - $41 Full | $33 Conc & Tightarse Tuesday
Bookings: Melbourne International Comedy Festival