Spotlight: Paul Merton

Following on from our look at the new series of Room 101 over the weekend, TCJ Reviews Editor Matt Higgins felt it fitting to choose Paul Merton, the show’s previous host, as the subject of this edition of Spotlight.

Arguably one of the finest British comedians of his generation and the master of the panel show, Merton was born in 1957, the son of a Nurse and a London Underground train driver. Since his emergence in the late 1980s, Merton has gone on to become one of our national treasures, consistently appearing on stage (as a member of The Comedy Store Players), television screens (Have I Got News for You, Room 101) and radio.

Merton’s TV credits include some of our most popular shows, finding his breakthrough on long running improv show Whose Line is it Anyway? where he was a regular performer between 1988 and 1993. However, he is probably best known though for his role as the presenter of  Room 101 and as team captain on Have I got News For You.

On each of these shows Merton is consistently funny and his intelligence and wit never fails to shine through. However, it was not until I saw Merton perform at an improv night at The Comedy Store in London some years ago that I realised just what a brilliant comic he is. Known for his deadpan approach, improv seems the perfect form of comedy for Merton, showcasing his sharp, clever and cutting approach. Unsurprisingly, he was the standout performer on the night.

Widely regarded as one of the finest British comedians by peers and critics alike, Merton has clearly had an outstanding career and, based on his excellent recent forays into documentaries (Paul Merton’s Birth of Hollywood, Paul Merton’s Adventures) there is still unquestionably more to come. You can catch Merton in his role as a part of The Comedy Store Players and do not miss his Out of My Head tour this year, which runs from 10th March to 26th May. Get over to Merton’s website for more information and make you sure you take a look at the interviews in the ‘About Paul’ section.