Paul Merton
Birth : 1957-07-09, Parsons Green, London, England, UK
History
Paul James Martin, known under the stage name Paul Merton, is an English writer, actor, comedian, radio and television presenter. Known for his improvisation skill, Merton's humour is rooted in deadpan, surreal and sometimes dark comedy.
Self
The Fringe, Fame and Me is the story of how a small Scottish arts festival that began 75 years ago this year became a national institution – a crucible where new stars are forged, careers made, and sometimes, dreams dashed. Told by the stars who first found fame at the Edinburgh Fringe, this is the inside story of what it takes to make a name here, from those who enjoyed overnight success to those who slogged for years to make it. Through their triumphs, favourite jokes, and sometimes painful failures, we’ll discover a hidden history of British comedy – revealing how the gags we find funny and the comedians we love reflect our changing culture.
The making of The Beatles' controversial 1967 film, featuring previously unseen archive footage.
Himself
A documentary about Spike Milligan
Writer
Paul Merton goes in search of the origins of screen comedy in the forgotten world of silent cinema - not in Hollywood, but closer to home in pre-1914 Britain and France. Revealing the unknown stars and lost masterpieces, he brings to life the pioneering techniques and optical inventiveness of the virtuosos who mastered a new art form. With a playful eye and comic sense of timing, Merton combines the role of presenter and director to recreate the weird and wonderful world that is early European cinema in a series of cinematic experiments of his own.
Director
Paul Merton goes in search of the origins of screen comedy in the forgotten world of silent cinema - not in Hollywood, but closer to home in pre-1914 Britain and France. Revealing the unknown stars and lost masterpieces, he brings to life the pioneering techniques and optical inventiveness of the virtuosos who mastered a new art form. With a playful eye and comic sense of timing, Merton combines the role of presenter and director to recreate the weird and wonderful world that is early European cinema in a series of cinematic experiments of his own.
Himself
Paul Merton goes in search of the origins of screen comedy in the forgotten world of silent cinema - not in Hollywood, but closer to home in pre-1914 Britain and France. Revealing the unknown stars and lost masterpieces, he brings to life the pioneering techniques and optical inventiveness of the virtuosos who mastered a new art form. With a playful eye and comic sense of timing, Merton combines the role of presenter and director to recreate the weird and wonderful world that is early European cinema in a series of cinematic experiments of his own.
himself
Directed and animated by Run Wrake, a one minute illustration of Paul Merton's words on Sudoku commissioned by the BBC for the Radio 4 website.
Director
Paul Merton looks at the British films of Alfred Hitchcock, the silent films and the early sound films.
(archive footage)
A retrospective of Colin Baker's turbulent three-years as the Sixth Doctor in Doctor Who (1963), covering his casting, the 1985 hiatus, and his sacking on the orders of BBC One controller Michael Grade.
More than 160 minutes of the best moments from the top TV comedy news quiz, with a different guest presenter in the chair each week. Includes the uproarious episode hosted by Boris Johnson together with specially extended versions of the shows presented by Martin Clunes, William Hague, and Bruce Forsyth.
Himself / Team Captain
Compilation of classic moments and unseen outtakes from the first 23 series (1990-2002) of the popular BBC comedy show.
The Captain
An adaptation of the folktale about a lonely boy, his beloved cat, and the hard decisions that come with their adventures.
Spirit of the Ring
A televised pantomime of Aladdin with characters played by well-known celebrities.
Radio announcer & Man on Train
Steve is married and has a dog who seems to not be enjoying life. Steve is unaware of his wife's boredom with their monotonous life. Steve and his wife get a little fun when they decide to go to the fair. Whilst he is having fun, his wife and dog turn against him.
Director
Steve is married and has a dog who seems to not be enjoying life. Steve is unaware of his wife's boredom with their monotonous life. Steve and his wife get a little fun when they decide to go to the fair. Whilst he is having fun, his wife and dog turn against him.
Lucretia
A televised pantomime of Cinderella featuring various celebrities.
Narrator
A televised pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk featuring various celebrities.
Dr. Dogg (voice)
The gang journey to the North Pole, and drill a hole to find out "What's at the center of the Earth?"
Himself
The show with the sardonic wit for which Merton is famous. Plus his hilarious salute to the ice skaters Torvill and Dean, and a comic version of the pantomime Aladdin, as never seen before. Featuring Lee Simpson and Richard Vranch.
From their 1991 stageplay An Evening with Gary Lineker was adapted for television in 1994 by Arthur Smith and Chris England. The action takes place against the backdrop of the 1990 Football World Cup semi-final, between England and West Germany, which is taking place in Italy while Monica and Bill are on holiday in Ibiza. Bill desperately wants to watch the match; Monica wants to talk about their relationship.
Self
In the tradition of the acclaimed series of British concerts known as The Secret Policemen's Ball, Amnesty International celebrates its 50th Anniversary live at Radio City Music Hall.
Over 2½ hours of the award-winning topical news quiz, featuring previously unseen footage. Team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton are joined by a different guest presenter each week.
