Just A Minute

 
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Re: The New Breed of JAM Performers - Paul Merton

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CatJun 2, 2008
 

 
I don't remember him being on Whose Line when I first watched it, I
was too young. I mainly knew him through Have I Got News For You and
Room 101 (although when I bought the Galton & Simpsons DVD I realised
that some of the sketches I'd committed to distant memory were
actually him, I just hadn't made the connection). Funny what you
remember as a child. For years I wondered who had done the 'Burt
Reynolds' sketch...

The first time I heard Just A Minute on the radio was about 18mths
ago, and I had just seen Greg Proops perform with the Comedy Store
Players, and I found the show online with him on. I thought it was
funny so immediately bought a couple of CDs (best of 2005 and 2006)
and the first one I listened to had the 'herbaceous borders' bit with
Linda Smith. After replaying it all day I moved on to other episodes
and haven't looked back since, largely in thanks to this group.

He has brought about a different way of playing the game, with players
often confused as to whether they can lie or not, or whether it
constitutes deviation. He always seems to confuse Nicholas too, which
amuses me no end. Bless!

One of my favourite examples of how Paul manipulates the game is the
Mavis Drinkwater/Hilda Biscuit bit where Stephen Fry buzzes as he's
convinced it's a lie....But Nicholas says he cannot prove it. Then
when Stephen takes up the story, Paul buzzes as it's false.

He's very clever, as much as he likes to pretend otherwise, and the
breadth of his knowledge of comedy means he can pretty much go
anywhere he likes with a story, any style, any situation. Anyone who
tries to go up against him pretty much finds out that he can turn
their weapon against them, so to speak.

But I think the best thing about him on Just A Minute is that he
obviously is a fan of the show, and enjoys it. Much like when you se
him on Sundays down in the Comedy Store. People can throw money at him
for touring China and presenting dodgy impro shows, but it seems that
some things he does purely for the fun.

(sorry for going on a bit!)

 
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