Paul Merton

Paul Merton: 'Dad had mixed emotions when I was born'

The British writer, comedian and Have I Got News For You panelist remembers a disastrous donkey derby with his father, 1967.

Review: Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Mike McShane in particular had a fantastic talent for taking a sketch or scene in a completely unexpected direction, to the delight of both the audience and his fellow performers.

Paul Merton's Impro Chums review

I laughed so much I thought at one point my last sight on Earth would be Mike McShane sitting imperiously as a King, waxing lyrical in perfect Shakespeare about an imaginary fish flapping at his feet, while Lee Simpson adopted the guise of a Geordie to trick the Princess into marrying him. Utter comedy genius.

It's taken until series 49 for author and film-maker Jon Ronson to make his debut as a HIGNFY panellist, a belated opportunity for the soft-spoken documentarian to witness the satirical-surreal power struggle between captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton up close. With any luck, some poor soul will have been recently crucified in the court of public opinion after a social media blunder, allowing Ronson to share some of the wisdom he acquired while researching his latest bestseller, So You've Been Publicly Shamed.

Review: Paul Merton's Impro Chums

A good night with some impressive improvisation and more than a few nights.

Paul Merton's Impro Chums review

It follows a well-worn format, but what the show lacks in jeopardy it gains in camaraderie and offers the audience, and improvisers, a unique brand of fun.

Interview: Suki Webster

Comedian and playwright Suki Webster, Paul Merton's wife, makes a format that would terrify most stand-up comics actually sound rather fun. "We're having a great time," she said. "The tour is going brilliantly."

Paul Merton on his return to live improv work

It has long been Paul Merton's dream to direct a cinema film and he says that he and Suki Webster are working on a film script.

The same privileged old guard, the unchanging rituals, the forced smiles and occasional moments of genuine delight: yes, the enduring satirical panel show and the general election were clearly made for each other. Still, in the runup to the election, the media has been filled with political behaviour even more ludicrous than usual, all of which should be fecund ground for Paul Merton and Ian Hislop. Jo Brand hosts tonight, while comedian Romesh Ranganathan and newsreader Jon Snow help uncover the truths behind the manifesto promises.

Interview: Paul Merton

'People ask me why I do the Comedy Store Players and Impro Chums... it keeps me match-fit'