Action-packed with no less than 19 miracles, the book of Mark was written to be shared live with first century audiences, in one sitting. Aimed at those outside the Jewish faith, the book of Mark has the potential to capture 21st century hearts and minds like no other story.
In this dynamic new, word-for-word, solo performance, directed by Lisa Gilmour, Stefan Smart brings us the story as it was originally narrated. I AM MARK is the resulting full-bodied drama, with its characters and nuances brought startlingly to life.
Because it’s so accessible and involving, I AM MARK has the added advantage of being a great conversation opener.
So sit back, relax, and imagine yourself among Mark’s first audience, as you experience the Good News of Jesus ‘as it was in the beginning’, in all its urgency and power, challenge and comfort.
Quite inspirational and performed with such sensitivity… particularly the way Jesus was depicted: with gentleness, gravitas and quiet authority.
An awesome performance of Mark.
I AM MARK makes the works and words of Jesus more real – a brilliant way to introduce him to your friends and neighbours.
Go! You don’t have to be religious to appreciate this.
Fabulous show. Absolutely wonderful.
Inspiring…a compelling, intense and emotive delivery that had everyone transfixed from start to finish. As something of an [Edinburgh] Fringe veteran, I can bear witness that this is not always a given.
The ancient world of Christian scripture suddenly becomes alive in front of you. You hear the emotion of the conversations that Jesus had with those he met and you catch a fresh understanding of his teaching.
My church group ABSOLUTELY LOVED it!! Praise the Lord that He can use I AM MARK in this amazing way. I can’t wait to see the next session!
Your mini recital [of Chapter 5 of Mark’s Gospel] was lovely. You captured the facial expressions of the demented man brilliantly.
Bringing out the passion of when Jesus was shaking things up…you can feel why people wanted to follow him.
An innovative, dramatic, presentation of the scriptures, just as they are – and one that is totally compelling. I have seen it on national television, in the local park and even in India. In every location the impact and effect has been stunning. You cannot imagine how powerful this is until you see it for yourself.
Captivating, bringing the Gospel to life. Stefan Smart is clearly a master of his art.
An outstanding show! Powerful and moving.
Were I to attend a similar event in the future, it would be difficult to imagine anything surpassing this.
What a wonderful man, such talent and performing with just that chair…amazing!
A man, a chair and a compelling story that has survived the test of time. Stefan delivers a mesmerising story of love, friendship, courage and sacrifice.
Wow, like really, wow! You have created something really…actually, I don’t have the words yet as I’m still letting the evening soak in.
Many thanks for the inspiring workshop with my Year 10 Drama Class this morning. I hope you enjoyed their response!
I really appreciate your courage, love and imagination in making Jesus vibrantly real to me and I’m sure, others. Thank you for your wondrous, life-giving work!
A great story, and an equally great performance…expect great things!
Visually, aurally and experientially, this film is absolutely stunning, impacting, entertaining and 100% accessible to a diversity of audiences. I RECOMMEND you watch this and pass the Word around!
Keep up the good work!
I was just ‘there’. It broke my heart.
Intense and fantastic.
It made my Easter.
A profound and beautiful experience…spoken with passion in unbroken story arc by someone who has so deeply internalized the spirit of the message – positively gripping!
A wonderful and refreshing retelling of Mark’s gospel. A truly inspiring letter to the church beautifully portrayed by Stefan Smart. He doesn’t flinch from being challenging and direct. An ideal resource for our times. Highly recommended.
Thank you for your brilliant performance at Kensington Temple! God has blessed you with such a special gift; thank you for not keeping it to yourself, and being willing to share it with the rest of the world!
Extremely moving and very powerful, bringing incredible insights.
The gift God has given you for making scripture leap to life, and his love you communicate as you tell and retell his story is incredibly powerful and deeply touching.
Dynamic storytelling
Stefan’s presentation of Mark was captivating. It felt urgent and immediate and was crystal clear.
Sometimes it takes a living voice to make you hear the Bible for the first time -a voice that presents some saying or episode not as a stray fragment but as part of the rhythm and pace of a story that goes on gathering momentum. Mark’s gospel has just that kind of momentum, and this performance gives a memorably strong sense of it.
The feedback I have had from pupils and staff about Saturday’s [performance in Chapel] has been very positive. I think they enjoyed the fact it was different from the normal diet; it was dynamic and it was challenging for them.
Completely captivating…almost mesmerising!
The presence of God in that room was unmistakable!
It was such a privilege having Stefan with us in Shrewsbury. He made a great impact on the students – they really enjoyed having him and were challenged by his presentation. The Year 6 RS lesson afterwards went superbly, and the children responded so well. It was all meant to be!
Respect! Stefan’s performance was very strong.
This presentation was nothing less than cathartic, embodying the emotions we often struggle with in our biggest challenges. I don’t know if other people have been brought to tears by your performance. But I’m going to assume I’m not the only one.
An impressive feat of the memory and a truly immersive experience. The story of Jesus as you’ve never heard it before.
This performance of Mark’s Gospel awakens a new way of hearing and absorbing the words and stories of Jesus. I found myself really engaged and so inspired that it felt like I was encountering the Gospel for the first time. It takes you deeper into the life of Jesus, and is an excellent resource for long time believers as well as those who are on the fringe of faith.
Using minimal props, I AM MARK brings Mark’s Gospel alive and releases the energy and vitality of his account of Jesus and his ministry. I hope online viewings go through the roof and open up the Gospel to a whole new audience. Congratulations!
A carefully nuanced, but entirely sincere and believable interpretation of Mark’s breakneck-speed drama, which comforted, surprised and challenged us – just as it was designed to do for his first readers. I AM MARK will remain long in this congregation’s collective memory.
Uncle Alec [McCowen] would have been very proud.
From the first word, Stefan captured the gathered listeners’ attention, as the Churches of the region were joined by the general public. Here was a Good Friday event, out in the shopping precinct, that was worth stopping to listen to. Truly memorable!
A stunning, dramatic retelling.
A wonderful performance reinforced by some thoughtful and insightful comments in the Q&A. I would happily see it again.
Stefan’s performance was transportive. So much so that I forgot I was in prison. Of all the things we as prisoners need, this is the most valuable.
What a brilliant idea this is.
I AM MARK shouldn’t be seen as a performance or even as a feat of memory to be marvelled at (all those words!), but as communication filled with love, compassion and power.
A great event. Stefan is very talented – and it is a powerful way to bring the account to life.
Perfect Fringe-fare. A mighty performance!
You really do have a talent for bringing the Word to life which has obviously been combined with a lot of hard work and attention to detail to deliver a stunning presentation.
Gripping, authentic, and deeply moving.
I’ve read Mark at least 40 times and I genuinely experienced it with new, deep and profound joy when Stefan performed it.
Truly an extraordinary night – you really immersed us in the gospel story, prompting new insights, stirring new emotions, expanding our imaginations and I’m sure for many nudging our beliefs, discipleship and learning. I know for very many (probably all!) there, including me, your performance was extraordinarily poignant and powerful.
Enthralling! Letting go of intellectual engagement, I got immersed in a dynamic, moment by moment encounter with the Living Jesus. It made all other public reading of Scripture dull and second-hand in comparison.
One man, a chair – and the gospel of Mark. Captivating and engaging. You could hear a pin drop. See this production if you can, you won’t be disappointed!
Powerful and engaging…held the audience in Bristol Cathedral stunned.
The lads who attended have not stopped talking about Stefan’s performance and word has spread around the prison about how good it was.
A resounding success.
This is not just a performance…it’s a gift of God’s love to all.
What a great show. With the aid of a chair, bag and a prayer scarf I was transported back 2000 years. A must see.
Really excellent, and inspirational. The Q&A afterwards was so useful.
What a fabulous start to Hope Theatre Cafe, Plymouth! Thank you to Stefan Smart for a riveting performance of I AM MARK – which totally brought the gospel to life. This was a truly engaging, interactive performance – Stefan had the audience eating of of his hand (almost literally at one point!) Brilliantly directed by Lisa Gilmour, Stefan’s use of space and the infamous chair are inspiring.
A wonderful presentation. The highlight of our Festival experience!
This is one of the darkest places on earth, and what you’ve brought today is light. We badly need the Light.
Outstanding. Inspirational. I AM MARK would befit any performance space, even the grandest stage.
There was a deep hush as the audience were captivated by Stefan’s enactment of the story. Some of our young people were blown away by his performance. Others, on an Alpha course, were helped to come closer to faith.
There was not a murmur in the room as the inmates watched this unique performance. Several commented afterwards that it had a real impact on them personally. “Totally different to anything I’ve ever experienced,” said one. “When is he coming back?” was the general cry.
In one word…stunning.
The best thing I’ve ever seen in church.
If you think you already know the story…think again. I AM MARK – Captivating drama. Mesmerising storytelling. Undeniable Truth.
A great quality, engaging performance. Our guests found it thought provoking whether or not they had faith in God; many said they “loved it”, “it was amazing” and “it gave me a new way to think about the stories of Jesus”. The Q&A time was particularly powerful and on another occasion we might have allowed even more time for that.
Let me highly recommend a different and effective outreach evening with Stefan Smart – his rendition of the gospel of Mark is thought-provoking and in places gripping and moving. As a Pastor or church leader you will not regret bringing the I AM MARK play to your church.
Magnificent! Stefan Smart is a master in the art of biblical storytelling, in a way that is sure to reach seekers and believers alike..He is trustworthy, as his focus is not just on his art but on communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hugely relevant and powerful.
Engaging and intimate. It was thrilling to re-live the miracles and the authority of the Son of God.
I AM MARK brings the story of Jesus to life in a unique and powerful way.
Possibly the most powerful presentation of the Gospel story I’ve seen in my lifetime.
Magnificent! I’m not just saying that…Magnificent!
An epic show…an absolute joy.
A throwback to the travelling evangelists of the early church. This is how the good news should be preached.
Truly the most beautiful piece I’ve ever seen.
Just saw this at the Edinburgh Fringe. What a fantastic job Stefan Smart did. Thoroughly recommend it!
