Mark Britton

Mark Britton, born on September 17, 1958, in Rinteln, Lower Saxony, is a British comedian and actor currently residing at 68 years old. He spent his formative years in Basingstoke, England, as the son of an English psychoanalyst and an American actress. After completing school, he initially pursued acting, working at the Brighton Theatre Royal for two years. This early experience, coupled with subsequent studies in acting, pantomime, and clowning in London and Paris, laid the foundation for his future career in comedy. He also spent a year teaching English in Sudan, demonstrating a diverse range of professional pursuits before fully committing to the arts.

Britton’s comedic journey took off in 1984 when he co-founded the comedy duo Nickelodeon with Krissie Illing. Nickelodeon toured internationally before settling in Germany in the early 1990s, during which time Britton wrote pieces like 'Christmas Dinner for Two' and 'Great Lovers in History'. In 1995, he transitioned to solo stand-up comedy tours in Germany, launching his first program, 'Comedy Solo.' His later programs, such as 'Apachen à Go-Go' (1998) and 'Wildlife' (2005–2008), blended stand-up with elements of theater and visual theater. He also presented 'Ein Englishman in Köln' (2005-2006), a program combining reading and stand-up, and toured with '3 Gentlemen' (2006) alongside Steve Rawlings and Ken Bardowicks. Britton’s work has included writing the play 'Heaven,' which premiered in 2000, and co-writing and directing 'Ein Feierabend für Eltern' in 2008.

Britton’s current work focuses on a cabaret style combined with British stand-up, exemplified by his ongoing program 'Zuhause bei Britton' (2009 onwards). He is also known for his solo show, "Apatschen á Go-Go - A Comedy über Sex, Drugs und Staubsauger," which features characters Mark, Gary, and Janis who grew up in Basingstoke. This show, performed at the Renaissance Theater, portrays scenes from their lives between ages six and thirty-six and includes elements of pantomime. He portrays all three main characters and utilizes minimal props, relying on mimicry, gestures, sound effects, and improvisation. After a career spanning over 30 years in theater and television, Britton now works at the GHS in Zülpich as an MPT, developing and leading workshop courses combining psychology, theater workshops, and performance techniques. Publications include 'Ein Englishman in Köln' (2004) and 'Forever Jungs' (2014), demonstrating his versatility as a writer and comedian.