Comedy often finds its roots in the quirks and idiosyncrasies of life, and for Chris Marco K, the rich tapestry of his origins provides the ideal background. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the extraordinary journey of this comedic sensation, exploring the unique humor that springs from his cultural roots.
From open mic nights to sold-out shows, Chris walks us through the highs and lows of the comedy scene, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his craft. He also reveals the inspiration behind his book “Learning Greek From Behind the Bins”.
Beyond the stage, Chris has ventured into the digital world with his own YouTube channel, where he continues to entertain and connect with a global audience. We’ll discover more about it during the interview.
Tell us about your journey into the world of comedy. What inspired you to become a stand-up comedian, and how did you get started in London’s comedy scene?
When I was in university, I used to watch comedy shows on TV, and I remember someone once saying to me, ‘You can do that.’
Then there was a local comedy night in Palmers Green so I went and asked them if I could perform. I had never performed before. They said “Ok we will give you three minutes” so I went and performed there for the first time.
The guy that plays Neil in the series “The Inbetweeners” was watching and he came after the show at a time when the Inbetweeners were really popular in the UK. He came on to me afterwards and he was like “no way that was your first ever gig. You are really good, keep at it”. So he inspired me and I said to myself that if someone like him said that I was really good then that must be true. So from there I just carried on doing stand-up comedy and then I entered into the English scene and started writing some Greek jokes as well.
I have done more than 5 different one-man shows and I have worked with American, Greek and English comedians. I have been working with lots of different people on different projects and it is something that I really enjoy, collaborating with other comedians and working together.
Comedy often touches on personal experiences. Are there any memorable or particularly funny anecdotes from your life that you’ve turned into comedy material?
Loads of them! My greek stuff is about my yaya (grandmother) and pappou (grandfather), they were a big inspiration in my life. I grew up in a funny greek family and everyone is a character in my household.
Apart from stand-up comedy you have written a book titled “Learning Greek from behind the bins”. Can you share with us what led you to write this book, and what readers can expect from it?
So, “Learning Greek from behind the bins” was inspired by the time I was going to a greek school.
I didn’t like going there and I used to run and hide behind the bins and the priest used to go around the playground looking for me.
As I wrote in the book, I wanted a normal life. I wanted to watch shows on TV on Saturdays, chill at my Yaya’s house and be fed like a little prince. So I just wanted a normal life like everyone else, but I had to go to Greek school instead.
Then I started joking around and started talking Greek with an English accent. So I wrote “Learning Greek from behind the bins” with English words that translate into Greek.
So an English person can use the book to learn some English words.
Exactly. It uses English words so that they can pronounce Greek words.
Where can someone buy your book?
You can find it on Etsy or on my website which is https://www.chrismarcok.com/
In addition to stand-up comedy, you also have a YouTube channel. Can you talk to us about it?
So I’ve got two channels, one of them has all of my stand-up comedy. So it’s got my Greek comedy show which is about an hour long and you can watch it for free and then it’s got other little comedy clips. That’s called Chris Marco K.
The other one is called “Chew The Fat Food Reviews” but you can also find it by typing kebab killer. I go around and review kebabs and also other kinds of food. (This kind of content) has gone really popular on Tik Tok, lots of people are now doing it on Tik Tok but I was one of the first.
What are your future plans and goals? Are there any upcoming projects or shows we should keep an eye out for?
I’ve got an acting agent so I’ve been auditioning for parts.
Just recently done a couple of shows in central London at 21 Soho. I was supporting an American comedian.
Also I’m writing a new show now, I don’t know whether it will be a Greek or English show yet. I will wait for the audience to tell me what they want and I will keep on going from there.
It’s been a journey and it’s gonna carry on going.
