People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Mark Olver
If there is comedy happening in Bristol, there is a high probability that Mark Olver will have something to do with it.
Most recently seen as ‘Seedy-looking guy’ in The Outlaws, Mark has carved out a niche for himself as a warm-up act for some of the most popular shows on television.
In January, he is helping to organise Belly Laughs gigs in venues across Bristol to help hospitality businesses pull in punters during a traditionally quiet month, as well as raising money for charity.
is needed now More than ever
These are Mark’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Sparke Evans Park Bridge
Sparke Evans Park Bridge as seen from Sparke Evans Park – photo: Martin Booth
“The greatest bridge in Bristol is Sparke Evans Park footbridge. It links Arnos Vale to St Phillip’s, Paintworks to Avonmeads, the cycle path to the cycle path, and through its history, Bristol to Chile. It’s more colourful than most other bridges, wobblier than most (which is fun) and the bridge my mum used to illegally ride over on a moped while taking me to nursery in the 1970s.”
Conham River Park
The Avon Valley Woodlands local nature reserve is situated within the beautiful setting of the River Avon near Hanham – photo: Martin Booth
“The best green space in Bristol is Conham River Park. Undulating, hidden spaces to explore, a gorgeous river just next to you and below you. It was my regular exercise during lockdown and continues to be a place where you can escape. No students, very few picnics, and away from the path there are very few cyclists. It’s heaven.”
Oakham Treasures
Oakham Treasures owner, Keith Sherrell, began collecting farm machinery in the 60s as a sideline to his business of buying and selling used farm machinery – photo: Oakham Treasures
“Bristol’s best museum is Oakham Treasures near Pill. Farming machinery, sweet wrappers, mock-ups of old shops. It is an absolute mish mash of unusual things and nostalgia. No Grayson Perry or Banksy needed here, just loads of old milk bottles and sporting/farming/cooking equipment.”
Bristol Pitbulls
“Bristol’s best sports arena is Planet Ice and best sports team is the Bristol Pitbulls, whose return last year means that we have ice hockey back in Bristol for the first time in nearly a decade. Ice hockey is an amazing night out. Fast moving, easy to understand, often some fights. And the crowd are encouraged to eat and drink as often as possible. And it’s inside. I love it. The best sporting experience in Bristol.”
Comedy nights
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXerOF3s_m8/
“Fellanies, run by Fella and Party, has an Elvis-loving, comedy-hating disco ball doing its social media. Fellanies has acts like A Man With A Cat Head On and other brilliantly odd, filthy, unusual, fantastic acts. (Fella is not a fella and Disco Ball is not a real male disco ball.)
“The best gigs in Bristol are now run by women. Smoke & Mirrors on a Monday is now booked by Jessie Nixon and Dani Johns.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Belly Laughs back for another helping
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