Well, sanity, I suppose, is getting people to see the world your way. Paul Merton peoplesanitysuppose Change image and share on social
When I was nine I spent a lot of my time reading books about the history of comedy, or listening to the Goons or Hancock, humour from previous generations. Paul Merton bookcomedygeneration Change image and share on social
If you became a comedian in the '80s, you had to work the circuit and make people laugh. Canned laughter is cheating. Paul Merton 80scannedcheat Change image and share on social
The economics favour one-man comedy shows: all you need is one person, a microphone and a PA system. But I'm pleased so many people are making a living out of comedy - it's a wonderful business to be in. Paul Merton businesscomedyeconomics share on social
It seems like a contradiction, but the shy person who is a performer actually does make sense, because in a way, when you're young and shy, making people laugh is a good way to make friends. It's an instant connection. Paul Merton connectioncontradictionfriend share on social
I was trying to organise my DVDs into a sort of chronological order, and I am afraid that it all trailed off after the Sixties. Paul Merton afraidchronologicaldvd Change image and share on social
On my first day in New York a guy asked me if I knew where Central Park was. When I told him I didn't he said, 'Do you mind if I mug you here?'. Paul Merton askcentralday Change image and share on social
When I wake up on a Monday morning and I realise I don't have to go and work at the civil service, I really think I've won. Paul Merton civilhavemonday Change image and share on social
When things are difficult, awful, stressful, the thing that always gets you through is a sense of humour. I don't mean - well, maybe I do - laugh at the hangman as he puts the noose around your neck. But an eye, an ear, for the ridiculous, the absurd in life, can get you through a lot. Paul Merton absurdawfuldifficult share on social
When I used to do the Edinburgh Festival, there was a bunch of guys selling fresh oysters and I'd eat ten daily - marvellous. Paul Merton bunchdailyeat Change image and share on social
