Paul Sinha - King of The World

Sinha is a consummate storyteller, possessing a rare ability to present ordinary subject matter with refreshing sophistication

Review by Sam Friedman | 08 Aug 2007
Even after the critical delight at last year’s show, Paul Sinha still worries about reviews. Knawing endlessly at his fingernails, the openly gay doctor turned comic says he can’t help but obsess over the opinions of complete strangers. Tonight he needn’t worry: not only does his confident and assured on-stage persona belie any sign of insecurity, but he also manages to inadvertently massage the ego of the only reviewer present.

King Of The World is a well-thought out show, chronicling the formative moments in Sinha’s life – the ones where, fleetingly, he felt total and utter contentment. It’s a simple premise but Sinha is a consummate storyteller. He delights in spinning numerous self-deprecating anecdotes and has a rare ability to present ordinary subject matter (binge-drinking, America bashing etc) with a refreshing sophistication.

After an awkward adolescence, Sinha's first and most significant moment of glory came during a pilot for an ill-fated Sky quiz show called Intellect. It was here, under the glare of the spotlight, that he answered a question that audiences in 35 Fringe previews couldn’t. By sheer chance it transpires that I too share this same nugget of pointless trivia. Sinha is visibly impressed, showering me with praise, chat-up lines and homosexual innuendo. At the end I get a special mention. “I’d just like to say thanks to our trivia buff Sam, who also happens to be drop-dead gorgeous.” Compliments will get you everywhere, Paul.