MARCUS IS ALIVE
A new solo play by Marcus J Freed
‘Fleabag’ meets ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ - LA Jewish Journal
This is Marcus’s true story of a hit-and-run, near-death experience, two brain surgeries, six failed marriage proposals, a psychic detective, and a wayward Rabbi. Marcus is still alive, but the real mystery is why, and why are any of us here? Marcus Is Alive is a heartwarming show about how the actor in front of you faced death in real life and fought back through a miraculous recovery to make the most of life.
LONDON PERFORMANCES, MAY 2026
Sunday 10th May, 7.30pm Circle & Star Theatre, Hampstead NW3 - book here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/marcusisalive/2140026
Wednesday 13th May, 7.30pm Circle & Star Theatre, Hampstead NW3 - book here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/marcusisalive/2140026
Sunday 17th May, 7.30pm Circle & Star Theatre, Hampstead NW3 - book here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/marcusisalive/2140026
‘Fleabag’ meets ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ - LA Jewish Journal
This is Marcus’s true story of a hit-and-run, near-death experience, two brain surgeries, six failed marriage proposals, a psychic detective, and a wayward Rabbi. Marcus is still alive, but the real mystery is why, and why are any of us here? Marcus Is Alive is a heartwarming show about how the actor in front of you faced death in real life and fought back through a miraculous recovery to make the most of life.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Actor/Writer: Marcus J Freed
Director: Mark Rice-Oxley
Producer: Freedstyle Productions
Executive Producer: Estee Stimler
Executive Producer: Antony Alexandrou
EMMY-WINNER REACTIONS:
Ben Winston (Gavin & Stacey, The Late Late Show with James Corden) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9xaNiJYDEA - "Beautifully written, beautifully performed. A really moving play. Spectacularly written."
David Sacks (The Simpsons, Third Rock From the Sun) https://youtu.be/bwRrkaRCsg0. "inspiring, funny, incredibly entertaining. I loved it. Marcus teaches us how to live. He's a star!"
Jeremy Kagan (The West Wing, Ally McBeal, The Chosen) "Telling the truth with humour, passion & insight. A valuable journey facing life, death and love. A captivating reminder of why we are here. GO SEE IT!"
SELECTED REVIEWS:
★★★★★ “Laugh-out-loud funny moments… intelligent writing with a charismatic performance.” - North West End UK
★★★★★ “The script is very witty and flows together seamlessly… a heartfelt and entertaining play.” - The Indiependent
★★★★ “Expertly blending comedy and dramatic storytelling, A truly wonderful piece of art, profound, moving and hilarious!” - Boom Radio, Scotland
★★★★ “A profound, vivid one-man show..fluid writing and committed performance…a balm for anyone who’s ever asked ‘Why me?’” - Jewish Chronicle, UK
★★★★ “Charismatic solo performer..in a play that will leave you literally questioning your existence…It was refreshing to see a show like this not dwell on the trauma but to actually take it in stride with the genuine intention of inspiring hope and optimism for life.” - The Student
Audience Testimonials and Production Videos
This one-man play will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you question “why we are alive?”
This is a powerful, raw and exposing play which begins when Marcus was hit by a car, the driver quickly vanished, and Marcus was rushed to Cedars-Sinai hospital in Beverly Hills with three hours to live since he was suffering a life-threatening brain haemorrhage. He had a near-death experience, underwent emergency brain surgery, and four days later had a second brain haemorrhage and second brain surgery. As if there weren’t enough problems, Marcus did not have health insurance and the driver had disappeared. What followed was an intense years-long search to find the driver and get his insurance to cover it - which involved finding private investigators, psychics, and so much more.
MORE ON YOUTUBE 'Marcus Is Alive' playlist (behind the scenes, more testimonials & extras) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvq4KocXSAUVuCJbYFx_3tryCEulxki22&si=ZcNwUwLf72AHvyin]
INCREDIBLE QUOTES FROM RESPECTED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
“Marcus Is Alive is a heartwarming and witty show that tells the truth with humor, passion and insight. It is a valuable journey facing life, death and love. A captivating reminder of why we are here. Go see it!” - Jeremy Kagan, Emmy-winning director (“The Chosen”, “The West Wing”)
“Marcus gives Woody Allen a run for his money with his comic paranoia about death. Except in Marcus’s case it’s not paranoia.” - Gary Sinyor, award-winning director (“Leon the Pig Farmer”, “The Bachelor”)
“It’s a fantastic piece. Marcus gives a truly impactful and versatile performance. As much as it’s powerful, personal and emotionally charged, it’s also philosophical, unexpectedly funny
and ultimately life affirming.” Dean Craig, writer/director (“Death at a Funeral”, “Love Wedding Repeat”)
“A truly remarkable story of recovery and redemption. Marcus is clearly alive and doing very well indeed” - Ashley Blaker, award-winning comedian
Find the driver who hit Marcus
Part of the play Marcus Is Alive chronicles the search for Jonathan, the driver who hit Marcus and later disappeared. There is still a $10,000 reward - get in touch if you know Jonathan!
Here is the $10,000 reward info, T’s & C’s, and submission form.
The True Backstory to Marcus Is Alive
Previous tour dates for Marcus Is Alive
DATES
HOLLYWOOD - JUNE 2025
Sunday 8th June, 6pm - Hobgoblin Theater, 6440 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood
Thursday 12th June, 7pm - Hobgoblin Theater, 6440 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood
Tuesday 17th June, 7pm - Hobgoblin Theater, 6440 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood
Sunday 22nd June, 6pm - Hobgoblin Theater, 6440 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood
Thursday 26th June, 7pm - Hobgoblin Theater, 6440 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood
Thursday 26th June, 7pm - LIVE-STREAMED FROM HOLLYWOOD!
Extra show added due to sold-out run! Sunday 29th June, 12pm - Hobgoblin Theater
ENGLAND, JULY 2025
Monday 7th July, 7.30pm - The Manor House, Tunbridge Wells
Tuesday 8th July, 7.30pm - The Manor House, Tunbridge Wells
Wednesday 9th July, 7.30pm - The Manor House, Tunbridge Wells
Sunday 20th July, 7pm - Pump House Theatre, Watford
Thursday 24th July, 7pm - Manchester Jewish Museum, Manchester
SCOTLAND - AUGUST 2025
Friday 1st August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Monday 4th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Tuesday 5th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Thursday 7th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Friday 8th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Sunday 10th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Monday 11th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Tuesday 12th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Thurs 14th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Friday 15th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Sunday 17th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Monday 18th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Tuesday 19th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Thurs 21st August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Friday 22nd August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
Sunday 24th August, 3.45pm - Braw Venues at Hill Street (Muse Theatre, Venue 41)
NORTH HOLLYWOOD - SEPT 2025
Sept 27th 2025, 7pm - Theater 68, Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood.
HOLLYWOOD - FEB 2026
Thurs 12th Feb, 7.30pm - The Hobgoblin Playhouse, 1516 N. Gardner St.
Sunday 15th Feb, 7.30pm - The Hobgoblin Playhouse, 1516 N. Gardner St.
Thurs 19th Feb, 7.30pm - The Hobgoblin Playhouse, 1516 N. Gardner St.
Sunday 22nd Feb, 7.30pm - The Hobgoblin Playhouse, 1516 N. Gardner St.
