Show Details
Paul Merton's Out Of My Head
Show type: Tour
Starring Comics:
Lee Simpson
Paul Merton
Richard Vranch

Paul Merton's Out Of My Head


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Description

In a bold/ improbable/ foolhardy move (delete as appropriate), the star of Have I Got News for You and Just A Minute returns to his stand-up roots for the first time this century. Wonder at the bizarre workings of his mercurial mind and join the master of improv comedy for a night of sketches, music, magic, variety and dancing girls (two of them aren't girls!).

The tour also features fellow Comedy Store Players Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and Suki Webster.

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Reviews

Paul Merton's Out Of My Head
Live Review
New Wimbledon Theatre

Paul Merton's Out Of My Head

It’s billed as Paul Merton’s first stand-up show this century, and a look at the mental health issues that led to a well-publicised six-week stay at the Maudsley psychiatric hospital. Neither of these things are quite true of Out Of My Head, but then nailing down a precise definition of this raggedy show is like stapling yoghurt to a flywheel.

For a star of the telly, it’s an courageous move to stretch beyond straightforward gags, or even the improv which he still practises each week at the Comedy Store. He adds a narrative of sort, sketches, songs, and all the trapping of old-fashioned variety in a bid to move out of his comfort zone. In that, he has succeeded – for he certainly seems quite uncomfortable.

He clings to chunks of decades-old stand-up like flotsam from the shipwreck of his ambition. Gags from his Eighties routine provide safety amid many of the more poorly-considered pieces. These jokes are delivered with a lecture-like detachment, but that was always his way. And talking of dated material. he even revives some ancient Max Miller gags, which still work after all these years.

In the improv moments, he shines. With the aid of Comedy Store Players Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and his missus Suki Webster, he shoehorns a couple of proven games into the show, such as the three-headed expert, hilariously explaining penguin ski-jumping, one word at a time. But it’s jemmied into a section about his treatment for depression. Just as he begins to draw us in with witty anecdotes based on real life on the wards, he retreats somewhere safe and silly

At other times, potentially fascinating storytelling about his stint in the hospital gives way to dreamily surreal set pieces, such as illuminated rabbits dancing in the darkness. It may reflect his confused state of mind, but it’s strange viewing, and not helped by its position alongside a few clunky, amateur sketches. A doctor gets his brain out and prods the ‘obnoxious gland’. ‘Welcome to Top Gear’ intones Merton. That’s the sort of quality we get. Then we’re in Dragon’s Den. Why? No reason.

Merton may be a scholar of comedy history, but the Charles and Camilla sketch has the feeling of a Cambridge Footlights reject from 1963, when students seemed daring for letting their deference slip even slightly. His interest in comic heritage also informs the music hall aesthetics of the show, right down to the graphic design. But turns like the ventriloquist’s doll representing the ten-year-old him seem like a gimmicky prop, rather than an integral part of the action, especially when the likes of Nina Conti are using the supposedly dying art to properly explore the human psyche. And why the ‘swear alarm’ is there, heaven only knows.

Merton is one of comedy’s great reactors. He’s the one who disrupts the intellectual flow of Have I Got News For You with just a sardonic raise of the eye, or subverts improv exercises by reminding us how ridiculous it is – defying the received wisdom that improvisers must always reinforce the premise. Yet when he’s in the driving seat, with nothing to react against, it’s like a drunk in charge of a dodgem, banging into all sorts of jokes and ideas but never getting anywhere.

For all the flaws, the show is strangely watchable. That’s in part down to Merton himself, and his wry bemusement even at substandard material, and in part to the appealing central premise about the comedians need to express himself, fuelled by memories of the nun who forbade imagination when teaching him English. If only he’d fully embrace those feelings.

As it stands, Out Of My Head still feels very much like a work in progress than the 32nd date of a tour of fairly sizeable theatres. Merton has come up with an intriguing prospect, but it’s unpolished, underdeveloped and in need of a firm director who might explore the areas the comic himself is reluctant to commit to.
Date of live review: Wednesday 2nd May, '12
Review by Steve Bennett
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Comments

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It is really sad to see. Paul used a lot of material from about 15 years ago. Mixed in some old club comic jokes and though the improv was OK, the rest was really poor. A group of people next to us left after the first 10 minutes of the second half. They had obviously decided to give the show a second chance by not leaving during the interval, but just decided they could take no more. It is poorly put together, dated and Paul fluffed a lot of his lines too. It pains me to criticise a comedy hero of mine, but the show is utter rubbish.

James, July 2012

I saw it in Newcastle. Again; was not disappointed. Merton is surreal and he brought his mad mahem mind to the stage. I also found Lee Simpson and Richard Vranch brilliant too, however, without trying to sound too harsh, did not see what his wife brought to the show. I think people who did not enjoy the gig would not know of Merton's early material. Especially the flying rabbits. I enjoyed it loads

Emma, May 2012

Went to see the show last nightwith an open mind not knowing what to expect. stayed to the end. I tried taking every little thing in. Was well rewarded, but came up with a heavier heart and head than when I went in even after a double brandy. Still reflecting and turning a lot of it in my head. If you're after a leisurely evening of light hearted, easy going stand up comedy as you see it on telly then this is not a show for you.I think it should have been advertised as a cynical soul searching show, than simply a 'stand up' it's very brave of Merton to embark on this project and try and sell it to the public. It's very much an acquired taste for an audience of a 'type'. You expect us plebs to understand; well, we came to 'ave a laff not see the workings of your mind. But hey, I don't think that you should care too much for that. Enjoy the 'therapy; I enjoyed the by-product

S. E. B., May 2012

Now near end of tour and still not improved...left at interval and headed to the pub to drown our disappointment.

JR, May 2012

Saw it in Nottingham. The show doesn't seem to have been properly written - more a bag of ideas thrown together. It isn't really bad - just not good. Probably won't pay to see Paul again at the theatre. Described to me as "like a school play, but a bit better acted".

ID, May 2012

I saw this in St Albans on Friday. I'm really surprised at all the negative reviews here to be honest. I thought the show was fantastic, intelligent and funny. I went with my friends and family and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (as did the rest of the crowd judging by the laughter throughout). In particular the improv was very well done and the mixture of stand up, sketches and improv made for a great evening.

Ali C, May 2012

Saw it in Halifax last night - like so many we left at the interval. Disappointingly weak.

Jezza H, May 2012

Went to see the show in Cambridge, thought it was a fascinating insight into Paul Merton's mind, helps if you know a bit about him to "get" the jokes,good that there wasn't a constant stream of swearing, as with most other stand ups. The sketches were brilliant and creative, well done everyone, perhaps I'm as mad as he is!

Brian H., May 2012

Spot on review and comments. It really is a poor show. Even the "improv" is suspect as it was penguins again in Cambridge last night (5 May). What a pity given Paul's fantastic comedy career, but this show is awful. Avoid.

Steve, May 2012

What's the matter with people? Do they have no sense of humour? My husband and I went to see the show in York with trepidation having read the awful reviews. However we found it refreshing and very amusing. It was good to experience a live performance that showed originality. Judging by the laughter in the theatre most people were enjoying themselves of all ages as well. Hope Paul Merton ignores the bad reviews

Lesley, May 2012

Have just seen half of it in Tunbridge Wells. Really, Mr Merton? You are obviously a witty, intelligent man, but what happened here? Did someone remove your quality control button? Anyone who produces something as bad as that Charles and Camilla ' translation' sketch deserves to be shot by the stand-up comedian sniper. The only thing that made me laugh was the Julian Clary impersonation. Just embarrassing.

Anne, April 2012

Saw this in Woking. Absolutely terrible. Do not waste your money. I really like Paul Merton on TV and I like surreal comedy but this was simply dire.

John R, April 2012

Just awful the only highlight was that it finished sooner than expected.

H mason, April 2012

We left at the interval, didn't laugh once, found it dated, naff and embarrassing to watch.

Ems, April 2012

I was truly disappointed in the show. We left halfway through. Awful, just awful :(

Michelle, April 2012

I saw show last night, I found it amazing, funny inventive lots surprises, Suki was wonderful, well done to all fantastic

Linda Peters, April 2012

I saw it last night and didn't think that it was up to much. If you're a Merton fan you'll recognise the majority of the 'stand up' element from earlier tours and his two eponymous Channel 4 series. I suppose it was ok but the running time was very short - under two hours including a 20 minute interval!

Jo, April 2012

I thought it was brave and very different from the standard fare nowadays. It was fun to go back to the old "Variety" style and the bits about the psychiatric institution were spot on! Maybe you have to be slightly mad to enjoy it!

LHowell, April 2012

Just seen it in Glasgow. Clearly a more responsive crowd, a funny and warm show. Not a standard stand up per se, but a really enjoyable stroll through Paul's head. A work in progress, certainly, but I really enjoyed myself tonight.

Gari MacColl, March 2012

Saw this in Blackpool, sadly had no clue what was going on during this 'show', the sketches were hard to understand with no real point or conclusion. I didn't laugh once in the show only afterwards because it was that bad it was funny and people left in the interval.Sorry but I agree with the other reviews.just awful.

E Cross, March 2012

Just seen the show in Eastbourne. Let me reiterate AA's view, it really isn't funny. A wasted two hours sadly I'll never get back. The audience left bewildered. Comedy really has moved on. It was more like the Sooty Show without the wit or charm. Paul, you are a national treasure, what are you thinking. Who has told you this show works on any level. It doesn't.

Mark H, March 2012

Saw it in Liverpool. It's not funny. I really wanted to lke it, but it's more like a therapy session for PM than comedy. I'd be amazed if it completes its tour.

AA, March 2012

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