Paul Merton’s Impro Chums at Liverpool Royal Court

May 19 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

PAUL Merton, one of Britain’s quickets wits and most popular comedy stars, comes to Liverpool next week for a special show - with a little help from his friends.

For more than 20 years, The Comedy Store Players have been entertaining audiences in London and around the world with their unique brand of improvisational comedy.

Now, Merton – one of the founder members of The Comedy Store Players - accompanied by his chums Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch, Suki Webster and guests, are preparing to flex their impro muscles on a 31 date tour of the country.

Since starting out in the business over 25 years ago, Paul Merton has become one of the best known and best loved performers on both British television and the live comedy circuit.

He was one of the founder members of The Comedy Store Players along with other comedians including Josie Lawrence, Jim Sweeney and Richard Vranch.

Merton has toured in several successful one-man shows as well as a successful tour of Paul Merton’s Silent Clowns, based on the popular BBC2 series, which toured the UK in 2007.

He has also become an established face on television with popular shows such as Room 101 and the hugely popular Have I Got News For You, and has just launched a new impro-style show for ITV1 called Thank God You’re Here.

Lee Simpson first performed with the Comedy Store Players in 1987. He is an artistic director of Improbable, one of the country's foremost theatre companies. He has toured with Paul and Richard in Paul Merton - The Show and also directed Paul in Paul Merton - And this is me.

Richard Vranch is an actor, writer and improviser. His voice features on numerous documentaries and adverts, and he had his own science series on Channel 4. He's appeared on Jackanory, Just a Minute and The Weakest Link Doctors' Special, and he's performed comedy in over 30 countries.

Suki Webster is a regular guest of The Comedy Store Players and has toured India, Malaysia and Barbados with Paul Merton And His Impro Chums.

She has also written and performed in several critically acclaimed shows at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Suki has also toured the UK and Ireland with Eddie Izzard’s One Word Impro.

Paul Merton and his Impro Chums will be at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre on Friday, May 30 at 8pm. Ring 0870 787 1866 or visit www.royalcourtliverpool.com.