Paul Sinha - King of the World

Published Thursday 16 August 2007 at 11:40 by William McEvoy

Paul Sinha’s new show has the audience in stitches from the outset. But that’s fine, since this young British Asian comedian is also a qualified GP, so laugh as hard as you like at his supremely eloquent and witty take on those moments in life when you feel on top of the world.

Mixing confessional moments about growing up gay with embarrassing incidents at university open days or waiting for taxis, the show touches on a whole range of topics from racism, gambling, idealism and hypocrisy, as well as Sinha’s bafflingly nerdy fascination for all manner of pub quiz trivia.

Sinha is the master of the killer punchline, combining impeccable timing and multi-layered anecdotes in a non-stop flow of wit and self-deprecation.

A group trip to Las Vegas leads to pointed mockery of British drinking habits and alcoholic excess. There’s also a risque edge to some of the material which skirts with the politically incorrect, but always brings the jokes back from the brink.

The man in front of me almost gagged on his own laughter as Sinha leapt from topic to topic with imperturbable control and articulacy. His comedy is inclusive and generous while also skewering intolerance and hypocrisy.