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Mortification: Eight Deaths and Life After Them
Mark Watson is generally accepted to be alive. And yet he's died many times. Not just on stage - though he'll tell you about that - but in other ways, too. There's been the death of his innocence. The death of his panel-show career. And then there was the time he died inside . . .
This is a warm, wise and hilarious book about mortification, failure and all the times life doesn't work out as planned. But it's also a book that questions whether the things we strive for - recognition, success, the approval of others - are really the things that matter. It's a book about death that reminds us how to live.
This is a warm, wise and hilarious book about mortification, failure and all the times life doesn't work out as planned. But it's also a book that questions whether the things we strive for - recognition, success, the approval of others - are really the things that matter. It's a book about death that reminds us how to live.
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Published April 22, 2025
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About the author
Mark Watson
43 books353 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Mark Watson is an English comedian, novelist, and producer whose career spans stand-up, radio, television, and literature. Born in Bristol to a Welsh mother and English father, he grew up with younger twin sisters and a brother. Educated at Bristol Grammar School, he went on to study English at Queens' College, Cambridge, graduating with first-class honours. At university, he became a member of the prestigious Footlights, performing alongside Stefan Golaszewski, Tim Key, and Dan Stevens, and contributing to a revue nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2001 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Watson first gained wider recognition through stand-up comedy, performing regularly at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where he won the inaugural Panel Prize at the if.comeddies in 2006 and received a Perrier Comedy Award nomination in 2005. Known for inventive and often marathon performances, his shows have included 24-hour performances, collaborative audience-driven novels, and themed events like the “Earth Summit” and “Edit,” compiling his festival highlights. His comedy frequently incorporates unusual settings, from ferries and streams to vaccination queues, demonstrating his flair for unconventional experiences.
On television, Watson co-hosted the BBC Four panel show We Need Answers, appeared on series including Taskmaster, Richard Osman's House of Games, and Celebrity Mastermind, and starred in his own programs such as Mark Watson Kicks Off and the Channel 4 panel show The Mad Bad Ad Show. His appearances also extend to stand-up specials on Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, and international comedy festivals in Australia and New Zealand.
In radio, he has hosted multiple series including Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better and Mark Watson Talks A Bit About Life, often collaborating with Tim Key, Tom Basden, and Flo & Joan. He has also contributed to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Fighting Talk and produced series exploring both comedy and broader cultural themes.
Watson is also a prolific author, publishing novels, non-fiction works, and graphic novels. His books include Bullet Points, Crap at the Environment, Eleven, The Knot, Dan and Sam, Hotel Alpha, The Place That Didn't Exist, Contacts, Mortification, and One Minute Away.
Beyond performing and writing, he co-runs Impatient Productions, producing radio shows, podcasts, and digital content, and hosts the World Snooker Tour podcast Snooker Club. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he innovated with livestreamed 24-hour charity events called “Watsonathon!” and co-created the YouTube series No More Jockeys.
Mark Watson is a lifelong supporter of Bristol City Football Club and continues to live in East London, balancing a career that blends comedy, literature, and experimental performance with a commitment to inventive, audience-focused storytelling and engaging entertainment.
Mark Watson is an English comedian, novelist, and producer whose career spans stand-up, radio, television, and literature. Born in Bristol to a Welsh mother and English father, he grew up with younger twin sisters and a brother. Educated at Bristol Grammar School, he went on to study English at Queens' College, Cambridge, graduating with first-class honours. At university, he became a member of the prestigious Footlights, performing alongside Stefan Golaszewski, Tim Key, and Dan Stevens, and contributing to a revue nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2001 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Watson first gained wider recognition through stand-up comedy, performing regularly at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where he won the inaugural Panel Prize at the if.comeddies in 2006 and received a Perrier Comedy Award nomination in 2005. Known for inventive and often marathon performances, his shows have included 24-hour performances, collaborative audience-driven novels, and themed events like the “Earth Summit” and “Edit,” compiling his festival highlights. His comedy frequently incorporates unusual settings, from ferries and streams to vaccination queues, demonstrating his flair for unconventional experiences.
On television, Watson co-hosted the BBC Four panel show We Need Answers, appeared on series including Taskmaster, Richard Osman's House of Games, and Celebrity Mastermind, and starred in his own programs such as Mark Watson Kicks Off and the Channel 4 panel show The Mad Bad Ad Show. His appearances also extend to stand-up specials on Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, and international comedy festivals in Australia and New Zealand.
In radio, he has hosted multiple series including Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better and Mark Watson Talks A Bit About Life, often collaborating with Tim Key, Tom Basden, and Flo & Joan. He has also contributed to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Fighting Talk and produced series exploring both comedy and broader cultural themes.
Watson is also a prolific author, publishing novels, non-fiction works, and graphic novels. His books include Bullet Points, Crap at the Environment, Eleven, The Knot, Dan and Sam, Hotel Alpha, The Place That Didn't Exist, Contacts, Mortification, and One Minute Away.
Beyond performing and writing, he co-runs Impatient Productions, producing radio shows, podcasts, and digital content, and hosts the World Snooker Tour podcast Snooker Club. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he innovated with livestreamed 24-hour charity events called “Watsonathon!” and co-created the YouTube series No More Jockeys.
Mark Watson is a lifelong supporter of Bristol City Football Club and continues to live in East London, balancing a career that blends comedy, literature, and experimental performance with a commitment to inventive, audience-focused storytelling and engaging entertainment.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 7, 2023
this book resonated with me in a way that i wasn't entirely expecting whilst managing to be funny and entertaining. very much enjoyed.
August 20, 2023
As a young person that has dealt with terrible mental health, teetering on the brink of wanting to live or wanting to die this book really touched me. Mark talks about his struggles and set backs in life and how they shaped him to be who he is now.
Learning about Mark’s struggles with his mental health really connected with me and made me feel seen. I’m not quite sure where I’m going in life so to read about his life and thoughts in this way was very moving.
There are so many good quips, thoughts and advice in here that I’ll try my hardest to look back on and remember. It was really comforting to hear them in this way too, as a person who admires Mark and looks up to him. Makes me feel less alone :,)
All in all, I would recommend this :)
Learning about Mark’s struggles with his mental health really connected with me and made me feel seen. I’m not quite sure where I’m going in life so to read about his life and thoughts in this way was very moving.
There are so many good quips, thoughts and advice in here that I’ll try my hardest to look back on and remember. It was really comforting to hear them in this way too, as a person who admires Mark and looks up to him. Makes me feel less alone :,)
All in all, I would recommend this :)
September 5, 2023
I enjoyed this book quite a bit - I'd rate it a 4.5? - and I thought it was well-written, funny, relatable, and useful. It's not the first book I've read about failure and what one might take away from it, but while it's not exactly novel (and indeed, Watson makes note of this!) I appreciated the variety of types and magnitudes of failure that he chose to share.
My main criticism is, I do wish that certain parts had felt more resolved. While I know that's sort of the point, it still would have been nice to hear more about how Watson recovered from various "deaths," rather than just what he learned from them.
Nevertheless, it was a lovely read. I may have more to say in a few days once I've digested it a bit; I read it in a single day while traveling, so it hasn't quite finished percolating yet.
My main criticism is, I do wish that certain parts had felt more resolved. While I know that's sort of the point, it still would have been nice to hear more about how Watson recovered from various "deaths," rather than just what he learned from them.
Nevertheless, it was a lovely read. I may have more to say in a few days once I've digested it a bit; I read it in a single day while traveling, so it hasn't quite finished percolating yet.
June 1, 2025
I read this at the same time as Jimmy Carr’s book and found this much funnier, realistic and insightful. Like Carr, it should be said that Watson’s difficulties - a Cambridge education, several published novels, a TV and standup career - would be the envy of many. Only a successful person can really write a book about failure.
Aside from the opening chapter (your voice breaking is not a failure, more a passing of time and human biology) the rest were genuinely interesting and heartfelt. A tour that sells 10% of its tickets, writing a film for three years that never gets made and just ceases to exist one day, tortuous appearances on TV panel shows (I’m guessing Mock The Week might be the nasty unnamed one here) and actual torture on a Bear Grylls survival programme.
Watson’s take from each of these is genuinely self reflective unlike Carr’s failing upwards. He also has a nice turn of phrase which I preferred to the crowbarred gags in Carr’s book. I particularly liked Mark’s metaphor for life that it is less a football pitch with opposing goals but a football pitch where the goals are invisible and you have to keep shooting at random areas of the pitch, hoping that you’re doing something and it’s not until the end that you find out if you’ve scored or even if you won the game. It’s a dance and not a series of winning and losing.
Aside from the opening chapter (your voice breaking is not a failure, more a passing of time and human biology) the rest were genuinely interesting and heartfelt. A tour that sells 10% of its tickets, writing a film for three years that never gets made and just ceases to exist one day, tortuous appearances on TV panel shows (I’m guessing Mock The Week might be the nasty unnamed one here) and actual torture on a Bear Grylls survival programme.
Watson’s take from each of these is genuinely self reflective unlike Carr’s failing upwards. He also has a nice turn of phrase which I preferred to the crowbarred gags in Carr’s book. I particularly liked Mark’s metaphor for life that it is less a football pitch with opposing goals but a football pitch where the goals are invisible and you have to keep shooting at random areas of the pitch, hoping that you’re doing something and it’s not until the end that you find out if you’ve scored or even if you won the game. It’s a dance and not a series of winning and losing.
September 23, 2023
"Mortification" by Mark Watson is a unique memoir that deviates from the typical genre conventions. Watson's wit shines through in his engaging anecdotes, providing readers with an enjoyable and often humorous reading experience. While it may not delve deeply into emotional or introspective territory, the book's light-hearted approach makes it an entertaining choice for those looking for a more lighthearted memoir. It's a fun read that offers a different perspective on the genre, earning it a solid 3/5 rating.
December 13, 2025
Mark Watson has long been one of my favourite comedians, so getting to go inside his head with this one was fascinating - and more than a little heartbreaking. I’m so glad he’s got through everything…this has made me want to go and see him live again, and seek out his fiction!
September 14, 2023
This is an entertaining and unexpectedly informative take on a comedy career memoir with laughs, and a lot of 'memos to self' Perhaps moments of recognition will be valuable to some. Other than taking up running, I can't say this is a self-help guide or even story (part of the point is that the struggle is never definitively over)
Some of his descriptions of his mental health challenges were invaluable to me as a carer (the burden of intrusive thoughts) whilst at the same time his relentless comparison and resentment, sprinkled with titivatory anonymous references, teetered between endearing and irritatingly whiny. He talks about his own privilege but I was unhappy with his too careful vagueness about some elements of that. He's tersely but admirably frank about one or two things which I felt deserved their own chapter long mortification status, surely, probably more than some of his career cringes. Were it not for the other vaguenesses, I'd easily attribute that to care for the privacy of others involved, but I am not so sure.
But then, what he has to relate of the normal workings of entertainment and publishing seem enough on their own to do anyone's head in. The long drawn out processes and the bad news... those are unavoidable but some of the behaviours retailed here are unnecessary and a collective industry decision not to be like that any more is seriously overdue. (I also wondered about the ethics of the audience)
I've encountered others burdened with a similar affliction who also have something interesting to say but not leavened like this one with a strong personal and very witty voice. I'd mention some other books in this sphere but whilst he'd mention them, I think he'd be mortified if someone else did. And I definitely need to reiterate that three stars is a good book, I enjoyed it.
Some of his descriptions of his mental health challenges were invaluable to me as a carer (the burden of intrusive thoughts) whilst at the same time his relentless comparison and resentment, sprinkled with titivatory anonymous references, teetered between endearing and irritatingly whiny. He talks about his own privilege but I was unhappy with his too careful vagueness about some elements of that. He's tersely but admirably frank about one or two things which I felt deserved their own chapter long mortification status, surely, probably more than some of his career cringes. Were it not for the other vaguenesses, I'd easily attribute that to care for the privacy of others involved, but I am not so sure.
But then, what he has to relate of the normal workings of entertainment and publishing seem enough on their own to do anyone's head in. The long drawn out processes and the bad news... those are unavoidable but some of the behaviours retailed here are unnecessary and a collective industry decision not to be like that any more is seriously overdue. (I also wondered about the ethics of the audience)
I've encountered others burdened with a similar affliction who also have something interesting to say but not leavened like this one with a strong personal and very witty voice. I'd mention some other books in this sphere but whilst he'd mention them, I think he'd be mortified if someone else did. And I definitely need to reiterate that three stars is a good book, I enjoyed it.
February 5, 2024
I found this a very enjoyable read.
The book essentially recaps the life lessons of Mark Watson with eight chapters each on where things went badly wrong and what he has learned from it. Some on stage or before cameras, some not. And he is very candid about this and does not spare himself. The nuggets of wisdom he shares from these is profound. At the same time he (of course) writes with a lot of humour, without being shallow or superficial.
In the process he also offers a surprisingly candid look 'behind the scenes' of what it means to be a comedian.
Mark Watson: Mortifications, of all kinds, are only as important as we allow them to be. Other people’s opinions are just that: other people’s. Your life is your own, and you are only accountable to yourself. It has taken me what will probably prove to be more than half of my time on earth to absorb that idea, and, even now, I disregard it constantly.
The book essentially recaps the life lessons of Mark Watson with eight chapters each on where things went badly wrong and what he has learned from it. Some on stage or before cameras, some not. And he is very candid about this and does not spare himself. The nuggets of wisdom he shares from these is profound. At the same time he (of course) writes with a lot of humour, without being shallow or superficial.
In the process he also offers a surprisingly candid look 'behind the scenes' of what it means to be a comedian.
Mark Watson: Mortifications, of all kinds, are only as important as we allow them to be. Other people’s opinions are just that: other people’s. Your life is your own, and you are only accountable to yourself. It has taken me what will probably prove to be more than half of my time on earth to absorb that idea, and, even now, I disregard it constantly.
October 16, 2023
You know when you take a major L and resolve to turn it into a life lesson? Mark Watson's made a book of those moments, framed as metaphorical deaths, all placed within the shadow of the biggest death of all.
Creative people - or people who wish to be creative - will relate to much of his anxieties, like comparing yourself to others and sacrificing time with loved ones in pursuit of something supposedly fulfilling. I think, from personal experience, it's as much a book about growing older and realising what's actually important in life, but I suspect much of that comes from the times we stumble and fall along the way, and discover who is there to dust us off and love us regardless. We probably should worry less about being productive all the time, and just enjoy the scenery along the way really.
Creative people - or people who wish to be creative - will relate to much of his anxieties, like comparing yourself to others and sacrificing time with loved ones in pursuit of something supposedly fulfilling. I think, from personal experience, it's as much a book about growing older and realising what's actually important in life, but I suspect much of that comes from the times we stumble and fall along the way, and discover who is there to dust us off and love us regardless. We probably should worry less about being productive all the time, and just enjoy the scenery along the way really.
August 19, 2023
This is not the sort of memoir you might expect from a stand-up comedian, full of showbiz anecdotes (although there are some of those). It is an unfailingly honest account of the challenges and perceived failures involved in such a career, along with the author's insights into his mental health in certain periods of his life. That's not to say it isn't witty - it made me laugh quite a few times and also marvel at how dismally some people behave towards others - the emailing manager of ten years - I'm looking at you!
April 27, 2024
This was a read that will remain with me. A very honest account of some key points in Mr Watson's life and his thought processes in dealing with them. Suggesting that life isn't a series of aims and achievements, (or failures), stopped me in my tracks and has made me re-evaluate the way I think about life. Sara Pascoe's one-word review of 'hilarious' is misleading. Yes, some of it is funny, but some is bleak - and all of it is properly thought-provoking. Thank you, Mr Watson, for changing my view on things.
January 12, 2025
An excellent read
I worked in the media for 35 years. I wish this book had been available before I started my career. I have travelled down many of the roads Mark mentions and it has taken me years to forgive and forget personal rejections and hard worked upon projects being utilized by 'friends' or disappearing into the abyss. A very therapeutic read during my retirement but I curse you Mr.Watson for not making it available decades ago so I would have appreciated I was not on the journey alone 😊 be assured though you are hugely successful and highly thought of.
I worked in the media for 35 years. I wish this book had been available before I started my career. I have travelled down many of the roads Mark mentions and it has taken me years to forgive and forget personal rejections and hard worked upon projects being utilized by 'friends' or disappearing into the abyss. A very therapeutic read during my retirement but I curse you Mr.Watson for not making it available decades ago so I would have appreciated I was not on the journey alone 😊 be assured though you are hugely successful and highly thought of.
August 12, 2025
If it wasn't so humorous, this book would be quite depressing. Seeking affirmation and 'success' as he defines it, is something Mark Watson strives for constantly, forever comparing himself with others in the world of comedy and publishing. This, combined with a fear of death, does not make for a particularly happy person. His angst is evident throughout this book. My only hope is that as he gets older he acquires the wisdom to dwell less on such matters and lives more for the moment and the simple pleasures in life
April 13, 2024
A unique memoir in which Watson outlines eight times/types of "deaths" that have occurred in his life, as he unwittingly also provides rather profound life lessons. I really enjoy his comedy and writing. And I really related to how his mind churns obsessively over life's mortifying little events -- it was so relatable!
September 30, 2023
An autobiography focusing on the lows is full of comedic possibilities. Watson is good in these introspective lowlights. There are plenty of clever quips and laughs to be had amonst the bitter recriminations.
February 20, 2024
Reflections and lessons learned/the content of this book made me feel…
“we all know about how quickly life can turn sour when things seem to be going well: a topic that has been widely covered in art and literature, most famously by the Greek tragedies and Alanis Morissette in the song 'Ironic’”
Watson is a comedian that has always somehow made me feel comfortable in life. This book starts with mentions about the pandemic (which, from one sentence, helped me work out a long time frustration in an instant!), and he featured in one of my go to moments in that odd time - the no more jockeys daft game videos - still hilarious and very clever, but wonderfully comforting in a different way. 3 of my comedy idols still able to enjoy time together, achieving something that a lot of us couldn’t - interacting naturally on video calls in a stressful time. The hair twirling, the looking down, the laughing, the genuine questioning of things that he may not know but doesn’t mind asking - his heart is out there on his sleeve - I feel like I know this person, and this book felt like taking a lovely gentle stroll as he talked me through his approach to parts of life
“we all know about how quickly life can turn sour when things seem to be going well: a topic that has been widely covered in art and literature, most famously by the Greek tragedies and Alanis Morissette in the song 'Ironic’”
Watson is a comedian that has always somehow made me feel comfortable in life. This book starts with mentions about the pandemic (which, from one sentence, helped me work out a long time frustration in an instant!), and he featured in one of my go to moments in that odd time - the no more jockeys daft game videos - still hilarious and very clever, but wonderfully comforting in a different way. 3 of my comedy idols still able to enjoy time together, achieving something that a lot of us couldn’t - interacting naturally on video calls in a stressful time. The hair twirling, the looking down, the laughing, the genuine questioning of things that he may not know but doesn’t mind asking - his heart is out there on his sleeve - I feel like I know this person, and this book felt like taking a lovely gentle stroll as he talked me through his approach to parts of life
December 2, 2024
2.5 stars. This wasn’t really for me. I was hoping for a humorous memoir but instead it’s more of a self help book. I like Mark Watson but this felt like he’d been told to write down his thoughts in therapy and then turned them into a book. I was skim reading by the end.
January 9, 2024
Enjoyable and quick read. Good stories from his and lessons learned, though repeatable from most self help books. Very nice Epilogue at the end.
March 24, 2024
upsettingly brilliant. mark watson national treasure.
June 3, 2024
Ok - but not a funny book. Well written and intelligently so. But the publishers should revisit their front and back covers and re-evaluate descriptors such as “hilarious”.
July 2, 2024
Jolly enough for a light holiday read but nothing special.
February 16, 2025
Honest account of life on the comedy circuit and the toll it can take. What a genuine person Mark is and all credit to him for his often arduous journey. Funny, sad and thought provoking.
February 6, 2024
Most non-fiction books written by comedians tend to focus on the highs and usually the linear build from starting out to mega-stardom so it was quite refreshing to read a book which focused on the lows and when things don't go as planned. That's not to say that it is a depressing book, in fact it is quite the opposite because realistically lows happen to everyone and it's more likely that plans will go awry to varying degrees from slightly through to catastrophically, it's how you recover and pick yourself up from these moments that matters- and that is the main premise of the book and as a result it is quite an uplifting read.
The book primarily focuses on Mark's comedy career although there is a section which discusses the breakdown of his marriage as well. Mark details his low points and it felt as though he didn't hold back, it is an introspective read and he didn't shy away from laying out his vulnerabilities and he was open about times where he was at fault. I feel the need to stress that it isn't a self-help guide, instead each chapter centres around a different 'death' and as the chapter progresses Mark works his way through the issue before he reaching a conclusion as to what he learnt from the experience.
The comedy industry has been a big interest of mine for a long time, as I mentioned previously there are many books written about comedy and biographies written by comedians that are written by those who have reached the heights of success and from the top they tend not to mention the struggle it took to get there. That is where this book differs, Mark writes about only selling 10% of his tour tickets, he discusses how he spent a long time writing for a movie that eventually didn't get made and also about appearing on TV shows that don't appeal to him because they're the only work being offered. These are all things that I'm sure most comedians will have experienced but rarely get mentioned or discussed.
Mark gives advice without being preachy, he lays out his failures without being self-pitying and he details the processes and situations that led to how he learnt to overcome them. I had previously read one of Mark's fictional books and wasn't a big fan but I really enjoyed this book and it has made me want to seek out more of his non-fictional work. I'm not sure what I was expecting when I began reading this book but I really enjoyed it, it had a feel-good vibe without sliding in to being condescending as so many books of this style have a tendency too. I enjoyed the writing style, it was easy to read and I found myself wanting to read it whenever I had chance.
I recommend this book, I think it will appeal to most people but particularly those in the creative industry who will have definitely had similar experiences. In that regard it also may be a comforting read in a world where it sometimes feels as though everyone except you is thriving, there is comfort to be found in knowing you aren't alone.
The book primarily focuses on Mark's comedy career although there is a section which discusses the breakdown of his marriage as well. Mark details his low points and it felt as though he didn't hold back, it is an introspective read and he didn't shy away from laying out his vulnerabilities and he was open about times where he was at fault. I feel the need to stress that it isn't a self-help guide, instead each chapter centres around a different 'death' and as the chapter progresses Mark works his way through the issue before he reaching a conclusion as to what he learnt from the experience.
The comedy industry has been a big interest of mine for a long time, as I mentioned previously there are many books written about comedy and biographies written by comedians that are written by those who have reached the heights of success and from the top they tend not to mention the struggle it took to get there. That is where this book differs, Mark writes about only selling 10% of his tour tickets, he discusses how he spent a long time writing for a movie that eventually didn't get made and also about appearing on TV shows that don't appeal to him because they're the only work being offered. These are all things that I'm sure most comedians will have experienced but rarely get mentioned or discussed.
Mark gives advice without being preachy, he lays out his failures without being self-pitying and he details the processes and situations that led to how he learnt to overcome them. I had previously read one of Mark's fictional books and wasn't a big fan but I really enjoyed this book and it has made me want to seek out more of his non-fictional work. I'm not sure what I was expecting when I began reading this book but I really enjoyed it, it had a feel-good vibe without sliding in to being condescending as so many books of this style have a tendency too. I enjoyed the writing style, it was easy to read and I found myself wanting to read it whenever I had chance.
I recommend this book, I think it will appeal to most people but particularly those in the creative industry who will have definitely had similar experiences. In that regard it also may be a comforting read in a world where it sometimes feels as though everyone except you is thriving, there is comfort to be found in knowing you aren't alone.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews