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2 min demo of Groucho Marx
Professional actor and compere Mark Kempner, has played Groucho Marx the world
over. Groucho can be utilised for simple meet and greet duties, to being a full
compere at parties and conferences.
Groucho Marx was one of the finest comics of his time. His quick wit and ability to
add-lib in any situation, was as legendary, as it was, hilarious. Even 80 years
on, his gags are still as fresh as ever.
"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an
exception!"
"This is so easy, a child of four could do it, now get me
a child of four!"
How it started Mark
Kempner has been a Groucho Marx look-alike for a number of years. It all started
when his professional acting agent, put him up for the role of Groucho, in a
commercial with other look-alike famous stars from stage and screen.
Audition Day Mark turned up to the studios for the audition armed with a
few of Groucho's gags, and in he went. Rather than the usual formal TV audition
approach, he walked straight up to the director, grabbed his wrist to feel his
pulse, putting on Groucho's voice and said: "either this man is dead, or my watch has stopped!"
Moving on to the female
client, he said "Hi Honey, these are my principles and if you don't like them I
don't have any others!" Mark, still in Groucho mode, sat down in a chair and
stated to
everyone: "...well its perfectly clear I'm the best, so when do I start?"
He then came out of character and apologised for his cheek, and the client and
director just responded with a round of applause. The job was won!
Mark
has played Groucho in many parts of the world. He has three favourite gigs.
One
of the finest hotels in the world is in Marrakech, and it was hosting its annual star studded
New years eve party: "I was paid to wish everyone happy new year and escort
Marylyn Monroe around one of the most amazing new years eve parties we'd ever
attended" The next day, Groucho and Marilyn were given the top table at a
Jazz themed poolside barbeque, and got a huge round of applause wherever they
went!
On another occasion Mark was performing as Groucho in Cannes at a
celebrity packed birthday dinner party. The surprise guest was none other than, Stevie Wonder, the real one, who told him afterwards: "Wow, You sound just like
him man!"
One of the funniest photo shoots was for an Abi Titmus calendar.
Mark spent a morning with his head buried in Abi's chest. He says: "....it was a
tough gig, but someone had to do it!" Abi just said, "it was
hilarious"
Mark brings to life the wit, the walk, and the character of
Groucho. With plenty of his own quick fire add-libs as well as many of
Groucho's, he is ideal as a corporate host and compere, and can liven up any
meeting, conference or dinner.
Mark is one of the rarer types of Lookalikes, in as much as,
he can take the mic and control the crowd, or he can simply blend into a meet
and greet character.
If you want to energise the annual sales conference, or your
next client dinner party, Grouch Marx would be pleased to hear from you.
"I've had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn't it."
Some more of Groucho's one liners
How do you feel about women's rights ? I like either side of
them.
Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it,
misdiagnosing it and then misapplying the wrong remedies.
Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get
old. All you have to do is live long enough.
Here's to our wives and girlfriends...may they never meet!
Mrs. Teasdale: He's had a change of heart. [Groucho]: A lot of good that'll do him. He's still got the same face.
I sent the club a wire stating, Please accept my resignation. I
don't want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member.
Send two dozen roses to Room 424 and put 'Emily, I love you' on
the back of the bill.
I never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an
exception.
