Mark Thomas: Serious Organised Criminal - Live [DVD]

Sometimes, the law is an ass. On more occasions it can be a complete idiot and if that happens you can trust Mark Thomas to look at it, realise where the faults lie and then expose the errors in a creative and thought provoking way. This DVD deals with his challenge to the Serious Organised Crime and Policing Act designed to remove protestors from Parliament Square; after all the politicians couldn't possible be faced with anyone protesting their mistakes.....could they?Mark sets out to use the law to it's absolute letter and start applying for permission to protest in the SOCPA area, the results of this are hilarious; a protest to defend surrealism, a protest to increase the number of trolls under Hungerford Bridge, a campaign to promote swimming by closing Hungerford Bridge that consisted of standing on the bridge and handing out one leaflet. To support the Police in their never ending task there was even a protest to reduce Police Paperwork. The idea grew and there were requests to protest delivered iced on a cake and even one channelled from thelate Winston Churchill via a medium.The end result was a World Record for Mark and a brilliantly observed and wholly peaceful protest against a ridiculous law that a civilised country does not need. You will be angered that the government could do this to it's people and will roll with laughter at the protest made against this law.

Mark Thomas brings an almost evangelical edge to the right to protest, he shines through the fog of political intrigue and in doing so manages to point the finger of ridicule at exactly the right place. Pin point accuracy with his facts, a wicked glint to the eye and above all, a need to shame those who have created injustice. Mark Thomas is more than a comedian and he is more than a political activist. I feel that I need to make a demonstration, Mark Thomas to be knighted! This DVD is a great way to enjoy an evening in, highly recommended.

If you have ever seen Mark Thomas live or heard him on Radio 4, or elsewhere, then this product will need no introduction.If you haven't then here is a taster...As a political activist opposing all right-wing authoritarian regimes, he obviously had issues with Thatcher (too young) and Blair. Tony's attempt to bring in the the SOCA laws to stop political protest by forcing any demonstration in London to be registered was obviously meat and drink to Mark Thomas.If you watch nothing else, follow the description of the 21 protests in one day, that caused several overworked police officers to react out of stereotype and be fairminded, evenhanded and critical of the government. Wonder as our man walks through a violent (non-registered) Anarchist riot, with two policemen in support to stop him being arrested!!I know this doesn't sound anywhere as good as the reality. You better buy it and see for yourself. It doesn't matter what your political complexion (unless you're a member of the Blair cabinet... and perhaps even then), you will laugh, if only at the absurdity of political lawyers passing laws that don't work and having this proved to them!

You must get this for your collection funny as hell and was great seeing him turn the power back against the system that turns to control us with prehistoric laws.This highlights how ridicules some of these laws are and how were none the wiser most if the time

I little dated now, but don't let that put you off. It's very funny and many of the issues are still relevant. 5 star all the way

Brilliant!!! Mark Thomas is very funny and very clever. If you are into left-wing politics it's a must!

Top quality stand up and activism from mark Thomas.

I've been a fan of Mark's common sense, no nonsense politics for years, and was lucky enough to meet him recently at an 'Art of Protest' exhibition in Manchester. As well as being a very entertaining performer, he is also a very nice human being. This DVD of one of his live shows is hilarious and informative.