Carey Marx decided it was high time he got married. However, he didn't have a girlfriend and was already approaching 40. So he decided to date as many women as possible, as quickly as possible, to find a wife within a year. And since he's a comedian, he decided to do a show about it, and write a book too.
Marry Me is about all the dates that Marx went on that year, and although his marital quest may sound contrived, it's really an exaggerated version of a universal problem. We all have an infinite array of prospective spouses and only a finite time in which to meet them - yet most of us are afraid of making the first move.
Other than that, he has appeared with his magic act alongside such giants of their profession as Rolling Stones as a personal guest of Bill Wyman's, Torvill and Dean and taught Tom Conti how to produce an egg from his ear.
As a stand-up, his A-list memories and status stands him in good stead as he pricks the balloon of celebrity and takes everyone laughing on their way.
Carey Marx is an unapologetic gagsmith. The jokes are short and sharp, often uncomfortably so, but while his often brutal set is not for the faint of heart, there's plenty here for the connoisseur of comedy writing. The lines are efficient, original and potent - and rarely fail to blindside the audience.
And they come at a blistering rate, thanks to a hugely economical delivery. He doesn't go out of the way to befriend an audience, yet there is a subtle charm and intelligence to him, even when the material is blatantly offensive. He sometimes takes a cuddly teddy bear on stage to soften both his image and the tone of the comedy. But - wouldn't you know it - it's not long before poor Parsnip is on the receiving end of some unspeakable act.
This is indicative of the playfulness behind what can, superficially, seem like harsh jokes against midgets, albinos or women. Ultimately, there's no real malice or nastiness in him, it's just the childish naughtiness of saying the wrong thing and making it funny.
Slam Channel 4, The Jack Docherty Show Channel 5, Gas Channel 4, The Stand Up Show BBC1, Trick or Two BBC2
"Excellent" - The Guardian
"Hilariously demented" - Edinburgh Evening News
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