Comedy review: Paul Sinha, Glasgow


Paul Sinha - The Stand, Glasgow
* * *
It certainly doesn’t help when he charmlessly gets back on the saddle after sneezing over a couple of punchlines or that he overly addresses his gathering as “ladies and gentlemen” and “Glasgow”. Nothing wrong with politeness in a comedy club setting, of course, but it only serves to leave little room for passion in his set. Which is odd, because this show is a very personal one, pulling together themes (and many routines) that have informed his stand-up over the last decade.
A former GP, Sinha is a quiz king (fans of ITV’s The Chase are present in their dozens it seems) and stridently non-stereotypical gay man (he absolutely loves his sport). Though his biggest fear has been laid to rest (coming out to his ultra-conservative father), Sinha is still riddled by conflict and doubt. He wishes he had shown more bravery during his earlier life and is as celebrity-obsessed as your average Heat-buyer.
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Hide AdThis compendium Glasgow International Comedy Festival show is packed with lovely, clever gags around all his chosen subjects, most of which undercut the direction a story is going, but on a few too many occasions are telegraphed. “You’re ahead of me, Glasgow” sounds like a compliment but merely reflects on the obviousness of what’s coming next.
Seen on 21.03.14